Gov. issues three executive orders to reopen state

Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas started Monday by opening state parks with strict guidelines to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

“Your physical and mental health are important, especially in times like these,” Abbott said in a news conference last Friday. “Going to parks is an effective way to address those things, so state parks will be reopened beginning this … Monday. Now, in order to reduce possible transmission of COVID-19 in state parks, visitors must wear face coverings or masks. Also, the visitors must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people who are not members of the same household. And for now, visitors cannot gather in groups larger than five.”

Abbott also announced executive orders to begin the process of reopening the state while revising hospital capacity and certain social distancing guidelines, according to a news release from the Office of the Texas Governor last Friday.

“Now, in opening Texas, we must be guided by data and by doctors,” Abbott said. “We must put health and safety first. We must prioritize protecting our most vulnerable populations. We will be getting input from medical professionals as well as business and community leaders to determine the safe and sure way to reopen business in Texas without spurring the spread of the coronavirus.”

The first executive order issue created the Strike Force to Open Texas, which is composed of medical experts, and private and public leaders who will advise the governor on strategically reopening the state, according to the news release.

James Huffines, the chair of Southwestern Medical Foundation, will lead the advisory strike force, while Mike Toomey, a Texas lobbyist, will serve as the chief operating officer of the organization. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Comptroller Glenn Hegar will serve as consulting members.

The second executive order will be in effect until May 8 and aims to loosen restrictions that will allow doctors to diagnose and treat medical conditions without needing to get an exception, such as a diagnostic test for suspected cancer, Abbott said.

“Many doctors and nurses have been sidelined because of the need to postpone non-essential medical procedures,” the governor said. “That was done to free up hospital capacity and the [personal protective equipment] needed to treat COVID-19 patients.”

The third executive order relates to the strategic reopening of select services and activities in Texas. The order establishes a “Retail-to-Go” model that allows retail outlets to reopen on Friday. Reopened establishments are required to deliver items to customers’ cars, homes or other locations to minimize contact.

“This temporary plan allows you to be able to access more retailers while also minimizing contact with others,” Abbott said. “It also sets standards on retailers that ensure safe practices intended to reduce exposure to COVID-19.”

Within the same order, public and private schools and higher education institutions will remain closed for the 2019-2020 school year. Teachers may go into schools for video instruction, to perform administrative duties and/or clean out their classrooms.

Abbott also teased that on April 27, he will announce additional ways to continue the reopening of Texas in a safe way.

“The new plans will be based on how well contained the COVID-19 [virus] is in the state of Texas,” Abbott said. “The plans will consider standards to protect our vulnerable residents while allowing others to increase their interactions. They will outline which practices are safe for employers to use. They will consider the possibility of opening more venues; venues like restaurants, movie theaters and other gathering places that can provide safe distancing practices.”

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