While the number of COVID-19 cases has gone up, the Governor said that figure was not the key metric for whether businesses should re-open. "As testing increases, so will the raw number of people testing positive," he said. "What matters most is the percentage of people testing positive. The past month has shown a downward trajectory in the positivity rate."
The Governor announced that effective immediately, daycare centers can re-open. Other businesses will be able to re-open or expand their capacities later this month. A full list is available on the State of Texas web site.
"Beginning Friday, May 22nd, a long list of businesses can re-open or expand capacity. Restaurants can open to a 50 percent capacity. Bars, wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and similar businesses can open at a 25 percent capacity. Those capacity limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distancing. A wide range of businesses ranging from drive-in concerts to bowling alleys can reopen at 25 percent capacity."
Dallas-area bars indicate they're prepared to reopen with those safety standards in mind. The Katy Trail Ice House has already made some changes to its normal operations to comply with the rules. "We've removed quite a few tables outside to make sure that every table is going to meet the governor's standards," said Managing Partner Buddy Kramer. "Inside, we've also removed tables as well. Usually, we just have open seating. We're not going to do that…we're going to seat customers."
Youth sports camps, little league sports activities, and youth camps can resume on May 31st.
"Also some professional sports can return on May 31st," the Governor said. "That includes pro golf, auto racing, baseball, softball, tennis, football and basketball."
He's allowing school districts the option to offer in-person summer school beginning on June 1st, as long as they follow safe distancing practices.
"As we open up, we must continue to place health and safety first and foremost," Governor Abbott said.