Texas Bars Set to Close Again, Abbott Orders

Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered bars to close across Texas again, with restaurants also being ordered to reduce their capacities to 50 percent.

In an executive order from Abbott released on Friday, the Governor ordered the closures as Texas grapples with an uptick in positive COVID-19 cases. Prior to the closure announcements, Abbott’s previous orders allowed Texas restaurants to operate at 75 percent capacity, with bars at 50 percent capacity.

The bar closures went into effect at noon today and changes to restaurant occupancy will begin Monday.

Amarillo City Council members will host an emergency meeting at Amarillo City Hall beginning at 6:15pm tonight to discuss the new rules. That meeting will be broadcast on Amarillo.gov.