The following is our latest on coronavirus response and news:
Notes from Gov. Greg Abbott’s press conference on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 from the Chamber's Director of Government Affairs:
In Texas, 427.000 people have been tested, 33,369 positive tests, 15,672 people now with active Covid cases, 1,888 hospitalized now, 906 fatalities and 16,791 have recovered.
4th day in a row more recoveries than new positive tests
Positive test rate is declining.
Percentage of people tested who test positive 7.2% two weeks ago. 4.65% yesterday.
Even with more tests, more positive tests, hospitalization has remained steady or steadily declining. No evidence Texas will face the challenges New York and some other states have faced.
CLARIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS FROM LAST WEEK’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
Funerals, memorials, burials and weddings all treated the same as church services with limited seating arrangements. Wedding receptions are under rules restaurants are using.
Parklike settings rivers, river rafting, lakes, etc. same standard as parks.
Restaurants 25% occupancy does not apply to outdoor seating, however outdoors uses the same distancing requirements.
Effective Friday, May 8, cosmetology, barbers, nail, tanning salons, etc. can open. 1 customer per stylist. Limited operating stations with 6-foot distancing standard. Both customers and stylists are suggested to wear face masks. No one is being required to open up.
Gyms and exercise facilities allowed to open May 18th with 25% capacity for the gym component. Showers and locker rooms must remain closed during this first phase. All equipment must be disinfected after each use. Customers must wear full gloves, keep 6-foot social distancing.
We are still working on safe ways to have safe distancing in bars. No decisions made yet.
Nonessential manufacturers may open on May 18th. 25% occupancy. Staggered work times can be used. 6 feet distancing or plexiglass between workstations.
Offices can open May 18th with some limitations.
SURGE RESPONSE TEAMS FORMED
They are being sent when there is a flare-up of Covid cases
Formed by various state departments
So far 47 surge teams have gone out
1220 nursing homes in Texas. 20% have had a positive test result come back. 20 surge teams have gone to nursing facilities. 319 covid fatalities in Texas from nursing homes (a little more than 1/3 of total Texas Covid fatalities.
5-6 people per team
EDUCATION INFORMATION (from TEA Commissioner)
Guidance on graduation ceremonies to occur with certain constraints. These have been approved:
Virtual ceremony
Hybrid ceremony with kids come in one at a time. Seamless video ceremony.
Vehicle ceremony
Outdoor ceremony