You will respect my authority.
Posted on 04/27/2020 1:29:37 PM PDT by EyesOfTX
After being criticized for two weeks as he allowed other state governors to get in front of him in opening their economies, Texas Governor Greg Abbott finally announced at a Monday press conference that he will allow major new business reopenings in his state beginning May 1.
Here are the Highlights:
– Abbott said he would allow the “stay-at-home” order issued on April 1 to expire as scheduled at midnight, April 30.
– What the Governor refers to as “Phase 1” reopenings will include businesses such as restaurants, theaters, salons, retailers and shopping malls being able to open their doors but limiting customer traffic to 25% of their allowed capacity.
– In less-populated counties that have experienced 5 or fewer Wuhan Virus cases thus far (which includes more than half of the state’s 254 counties), businesses will be allowed up to 50% of capacity.
– Also allowed to reopen on May are licensed medical practitioners such as doctors and dentists.
– Hospitals will also be allowed to take in additional patients and perform more elective surgical procedures, so long as they continue to reserve 15% of their bed space for COVID-19 patients.
– The Governor conditions these reopenings on the continued observation of social distancing guidelines that have been in effect since mid-March, and recommends – but does not require – citizens to wear masks while venturing outside the home.
– He also specifically notes that his guidelines supersede local orders. This would specifically include the order issued last week by Harris County Judge Lina Hildalgo requiring her citizens to wear masks, subject to arrest and fines. Abbott noted that his order disallows local officials the ability to impose such penalties in their local orders.
– Gov. Abbott also said that sports activities will be allowed to resume on May 1, but only to the extent that they involve no more than 4 participants. So basically, we’re talking about golf, tennis and other similar sports.
All of that and more is part of Phase 1. I will update this piece with further information as it comes available.
The Governor also discussed Phase 2 of his plan, which would begin effective May 18, if – and it’s an important IF – the data shows that the state has not seen an increase in the number of Wuhan Virus cases in the two weeks following the beginning of Phase 1 on May 1.
Phase 2 would include the opening of additional businesses, the increasing of capacity usage, and the allowance of additional sports activities involving more participants. It would also include permission to hold summer camps subject to social distancing guidelines.
All in all, the Governor’s plan is exactly what millions of Texans have been waiting to hear from him in recent days: An aggressive, strategic approach to reopening Texas’s economy in a way that makes sense, and clearly demonstrates an awareness of the geographic and demographic diversity of this giant state. Obviously, the voices of those Texans have been heard in Austin, and the Governor and his Strike Force responded in a way that makes sense for everyone.
It’s nice to have some good news to report for a change.
God Bless Texas.
That is all.
Lucky dogs! Our sissy governor in AK is going to slow roll it out.
Hey Abbot!!!!
Who’s on first?
May Day? Reds are gonna riot. Intruding on their holiday like that...
I need my roots done so badly. I wonder how much it will cost to fly to TX from SC. Only sorta kidding.
It’s a start. That said, how the hell does he expect restaurants, many of which barely make ends meet at 100% capacity, to make 25% work?
I agree. Restaurants need to open up without restrictions. If people are scared to go, then stay home.
Just checked - the 127th most-populated county in Texas is Deaf Smith, with 18,760. 50 counties have fewer than 5,000.
They may as well open up completely because I just don't see a deputy hanging around a restaurant making darn sure more than three people sit down at a time...
Critics of the slow roll-out need to remember that the media - and probably the lawyers - will pounce on any evidence that re-opening leads to an increase in cases or deaths. The governors HAVE to slow-walk it.
I will live in Washington, and my favorite restaurant never has much more than 50% capacity even on a good day.
The restaurants probably don’t have to worry about deputies hanging around, but complaints from cranky customers, nosy journalists, or leftist spies.
My guess: prices will likely increase to compensate for reduced traffic. Restaurants with higher seating and floor space capacity will have the advantage. I.e., 25% of a big number is a big number.
My fear is that there are those out there who have a vested interest in this failing who will try to get people sick.
Exactly.
Best part was Abbot said the “order” announced by the Democrat Judge Hidalgo in Houston saying everyone had to wear a mask or face a $1000 penalty or Jail was invalid and unenforceable.
A guy from the job and his spouse went to GA for a haircut and related.
“My fear is that there are those out there who have a vested interest in this failing who will try to get people sick.”
At the first hint of fever and/or coughing, people need to demand hydroxychlorinquine, zpack and zinc from their doctor. If that doctor refuses, keep calling till you find one who will give it to you.
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