Texas Governor Greg Abbott is letting more businesses open up due to confidence in the state's response to coronavirus.
The governor announced today there are surge teams responding to COVID-19 hot spots across the state testing people at nursing homes, jails, and meat packing plants.
Abbott said office buildings can open up to 25% capacity as long as social distancing rules were followed. Restaurants can expand to 50% capacity on Friday while craft breweries, wine tasting rooms, and bars can open at 25%. The governor promised the moves are supported by medical doctors and asked people to place health and safety above all else.
"Today, tomorrow, and every day going forward is one step closer to medical discoveries that can treat and protect people from COVID-19—but until that day comes, our focus is keeping Texans safe while restoring their ability to get back to work, open their businesses, pay their bills, and put food on their tables," said Governor Abbott. "By continuing to use safe practices, we are slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our most vulnerable. Now more than ever, we need to work together as one Texas. I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health. If we all unite in our resolve, we will overcome this challenge."
During his remarks, the Governor also presented information on the state's hospitalization and positivity rates—two metrics the Governor and his team of medical experts have used to inform the state's ongoing plan to safely and strategically open