TEXAS (1080 KRLD)- Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced initial steps to re-open the Texas economy as it continues to reel from the coronavirus pandemic. During a news conference at the Texas Capitol, Abbott said Texans' efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus were paying off.
"We're now beginning to see glimmers that the worst of COVID-19 may soon be behind us," Abbott said. "We have demonstrated that we can corral the coronavirus."
To get the economy going again, Abbott named a "statewide strike force" chaired by James Huffines, the Austin banker and former UT regent. The task force staff will be led by Mike Toomey, a veteran lobbyist who was chief of staff to Abbott's predecessor, Rick Perry.
Abbott also announced additional executive orders that are exceptions to the current Stay At Home order put in place till April 30th. The first he announced he would loosen restrictions he previously put in place on non-essential surgeries. “Well, today, Texas has plenty of hospital capacity.
We have a solid supply chain of PPE, and many of our doctors and nurses have patients who desperately need medical treatment. It is time to allow those doctors and nurses to return to work.”
Abbott went on to announce that he was letting retail outlets re-open April 24 to offer "retail-to-go" — meaning the outlets can make deliveries to customers' cars outside their location or to customers' homes. Abbott further described the order by saying, “It will not allow people to go into these retail stores. It will simply allow them to be able to pick up items at a drive through a situation or delivery to their home.”
The next order announced by the Governor was said to be designed to help with the physical and mental health of Texans while social distancing. It allows state parks to re-open on Monday, April 20 but with restrictions. Visitors have to wear face coverings (Masks), they have to keep a 6-foot distance from people outside their group, and there can't be gatherings larger than five people.
Finally, Abbott announced that all Texas schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. The closure applies to all public and private schools and institutions of higher learning. Governor Abbott said the decision to keep the schools closed was made for him. “The team of doctors advising us have determined that it would be unsafe to allow students together in schools for the foreseeable future. As a result, school classrooms are closed for the remainder of the 2019 2020 school year. That includes all public, private, and higher education institutions.”
Abbott promised to have another announcement April 27 about additional steps to re-open Texas.