COLLEYVILLE (1080 KRLD) - The mayor of Colleyville has announced a plan to ease restrictions on businesses and churches aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor Richard Newton announced changes to the city's disaster declaration, some of which will take effect immediately.
Starting Wednesday, in-person services at churches or other houses of worship in Colleyville were allowed to resume. Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Tuesday that local governments could not prohibit people from attending religious services.
Newton's order also included the governor's announcement that elective surgeries could resume.
The order will allow additional options starting Friday.
Retail establishments not deemed "essential" can offer pick-up, delivery and in-store services by appointment. Gyms, massage parlors and salons can also open by appointment only.
"Such interactions still require the use of appropriate PPE to avoid the spread of COVID-19," the order reads.
The order says fitness classes or training are allowed one-on-one or in classes of up to ten people, "subject to social distancing requirements."
"Governor Abbott's order is they are closed to the general public. Our interpretation of this order is they're closed to the general public," Newton says. "What we are allowing is the businesses to do business by appointment, if they have an appointment where they can control who's coming into the business."
His order also allows restaurants with "outside patio areas" to let customers dine there, also with a social distancing requirement.