Restaurant Closures Ordered as Part of Governor's Executive Order

Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference on Thursday announcing a new executive order aimed at curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The executive order, which is in place beginning Friday and running through April 3, takes a number of actions, including limiting the size of gatherings to ten people or less, prohibiting dine-in options at restaurants and bars, the closing of gyms, and a ban on nursing home visits except for critical care. Abbott’s also announced a statewide closure of schools on Thursday.

Abbott’s announcement follows along with recent federal guidelines about social gatherings and activities in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.

Following the announcement, Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson and Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders also signed on to a letter with the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and the Panhandle Restaurant Association announcing the closure of dine-in options at restaurants in the Amarillo and Canyon areas. It was also announced in the letter that paid parking on streets in downtown Amarillo will be suspended until further notice.