Abbott Announces First Steps to Reopen Economy, Closes Schools Through End of School Year

Gov. Greg Abbott announced his first steps toward reopening the Texas economy in a press conference on Friday.

Abbott announced three executive orders on Friday aimed at kicking off the reopening of the Texas economy. In addition to the creation of a “strike force” to tackle the economic reopening in Texas, Abbott’s additional executive orders established a “retail-to-go” model for Texas retailers, closed schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, and set in place some exemptions to allow for nonessential surgeries in Texas.

In addition, Abbott also order state parks to reopen across Texas, with a requirement that individuals visiting state parks must wear face coverings and stay at least six feet from individuals not in their party. Abbott also said gatherings of groups visiting state parks will be limited to five persons.

For additional details on the executive orders, visit gov.texas.gov.