A Recap from Governor Abbott's Press Conference

The following is our latest on coronavirus response and news:

Notes from Gov. Greg Abbott’s press conference on Monday, May 18, 2020 from the Chamber's Director of Government Affairs:

COMMENTS FROM GOV. ABBOTT:

• Our goal is to find ways to coexist with Covid 19 as safely as possible.

• Safest strategy for seniors is to stay home as much as possible.

• We have ample supplies of PPE.

• Testing has also increased. Averaging more than 25,000 tests a day.

• Nursing homes, jails and meat-processing plants are when hot spots are breaking out. Surge response teams go to these places to help.

• When we increase the testing in hot spots, the number testing positive rises.

• Opening business in Texas based on positivity rates (percentage of people tested coming back with positive results) and hospitalizations (yesterday few people hospitalized lowest since April 13)

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PHASE TWO

• Can open today:other personal service businesses can open. Refer to gov.texas.gov/opentexas

• Business located in office building can open to greater of 10 employees or 25% of occupancy with appropriate distancing.

• Childcare services can open, along with programs like Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA.

• Opening on Friday, or expanding openings; restaurants 50% capacity; bars, wine tasting, craft breweries, and similar at 25% capacity. Driving concerts, bowling alleys at 25% capacity.

• On May 31, youth sports camps and little league will open. Spectators may attend with appropriate social distancing. Other camps can open.

• Also, on May 31, some professional sports can return, pro golf, auto racing, baseball, softball, tennis, football, and basketball.

• Summer school: Schools have option to do summer school with safe distancing and other safe protocols on June 1st.

• Amarillo and El Paso beginning date pushed back one week due to hot spot outbreaks.

• We are looking closely at large entertainment parks, like Six Flags, but no current decision. Lots of challenges.

HERE IS THE LIST (of those businesses opening May 18 forward) AND PROTOCOLS FROM gov.texas.gov/opentexas

New, In Effect May 31, 2020

• Day Youth Camp Operators

• Day Youth Camp Families

• Overnight Youth Camp Operators

• Overnight Youth Camp Families

• Professional Sports Without In-Person Spectators

New, In Effect May 22, 2020

• Bars

• Bar Patrons

• Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcasting, Skating Rinks

• Bowling, Bingo, Simulcasting, Skating Customers

• Rodeo / Equestrian Events

• Zoos, Aquariums, Natural Caverns

• Zoo, Aquarium, Natural Cavern Visitors

New, Now in Effect as of May 18, 2020

• Child Care Centers

• Child Care Families

• Massage and Personal-Care, Beauty Services

• Massage and Personal-Care, Beauty Service Customers

• Youth Clubs

• Youth Club Participants

• Youth Sports Operators

• Youth Sports Families

Effective May 18, 2020

• Gyms / Exercise Facilities (Updated May 18, 2020)

• Gym / Exercise Facility Patrons (Updated May 18, 2020)

• Manufacturers (Updated May 18, 2020)

• Office-Based Employers (Updated May 18, 2020)

• Office-Based Employees (Updated May 18, 2020)