Editor’s note: May 1, 10:50 a.m.: This story has been updated to reflect that elective dental procedures have been allowed to resume by the State Board of Dental Examiners. A previous version of this story said that people would “probably” be allowed to go to the dentist under the new order.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday he will let his executive order requiring Texans to stay at home expire on Thursday and allow businesses such as malls, restaurants and movie theaters to reopen under certain conditions as soon as Friday.
Here’s what you need to know.
What will open on Friday and what are the restrictions?
Stores, restaurants and movie theaters may open as long as they maintain only a 25% occupancy and follow social distancing. Under those guidelines, malls can also open but food courts, play areas and interactive displays or settings must remain closed. Museums and libraries can open at a 25% occupancy but only if cities allow them. Outdoor sports such as golf and tennis may resume with no more than four participants in a match and with social distancing.
Will I have to wear a mask?
Abbott “strongly” recommended that Texans wear masks while in public. But he said under his order local governments, such as Harris and Dallas counties, can’t impose fines on Texans for not wearing masks.
Can I get a haircut or a massage?
No. Massage parlors, hair salons and barber shops, along with gyms, bars, bowling alleys and arcades, will not open until about mid-May, Abbott said. The state is still working on figuring out how these businesses, in which people are in close contact, can safely reopen “ASAP,” he said.
Can I go to the dentist?
Yes. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners is allowing elective dental procedures to resume, despite the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that dentists continue postponing non-urgent care amid concerns about coronavirus transmission. At Abbott’s request, the board did require that advanced surgical masks be worn within six feet of patients during procedures likely to produce “aerosols.”
Can I go to church?
Yes, houses of worship are classified as providing essential services. Services should be conducted remotely whenever possible, according to guidance provided by Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. During in-person services, congregants should maintain appropriate distance between one another and practice good hygiene. It is suggested that separate services or seating areas be offered for at-risk populations.
What if a business doesn’t want to open?
Nothing in the governor’s order requires a business to reopen if its owners want it to remain closed. A spokesman for Plano-based Cinemark, for example, told Deadline that the movie theater chain is still planning a July reopening.
Will there be more testing available?
Experts have said Texas needs increased testing to help prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases after businesses are reopened, perhaps as many as 40,000 tests a day, while the governor’s report sets a goal of testing 30,000 people a day. The report says testing will be expanded but will still focus on symptomatic people and those at high risk for contracting the disease. The state also plans to have up to 4,000 contact tracers deployed by mid-May to identify whom COVID-19 patients have been in contact with.
Will schools remain closed?
Abbott said earlier this month that classrooms across the state should close for the remainder of the school year. That order remains in place.
Can I visit a relative or friend in a nursing home?
No. Assisted-living centers, nursing homes, state supported living centers and other long-term care facilities are required to remain closed to visitors, except for those who are providing “critical assistance.”
How long does this phase of the reopening process last?
Phase 1 of the reopening will continue until at least May 18. If there is not a new outbreak by then, businesses allowed to open to 25% capacity Friday may be able to open to 50% capacity. Salons and barbershops, massage parlors, gyms and other businesses that are now closed may then be able to reopen. Outdoor sports will also be expanded to allow more participants.
