Abbott issues executive order limiting certain businesses
Gov. Abbott Friday issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased. The positivity rate in Texas increased above 10% which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.
The order includes the following:
• All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 26. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
• Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
• Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
• Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
Abbott also announced that the federal government has granted his request to extend operations of Community Based Testing Sites across Texas. The federal government will maintain support for the program while surging resources to Dallas and Houston to support testing needs within the community.
Abbott orders expanding hospital capacity
Abbott Thursday issued an Executive Order to ensure hospital bed availability for COVID-19 patients as Texas faces an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The order suspends elective surgeries at hospitals in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties. Under this order, the Abbott directs all hospitals in these counties to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient who without the immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician.
Through proclamation, Abbott can add or subtract from the list of counties included in the Executive Order to address surges in hospitalizations that may arise in other parts of the state.
Abbott expands local authority on outdoor gatherings, directs HHSC to enact emergency rules to increase safety at childcare centers
Last Tuesday Abbott expanded the ability of mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of over 100 people. Previously, this applied only to outdoor gatherings over 500 people. The Governor has also directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to enact emergency rules that provide strict health and safety standards and procedures related to COVID-19 for childcare centers in Texas. These two actions are based on data showing an increase in COVID-19 transmission stemming from large gatherings and childcare centers.
“These are just some of the steps Texas will take to contain the rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Abbott. “Today’s proclamation and emergency rules will aid in that effort in two key ways: allowing restrictions on large gatherings where COVID-19 is easily spread and implementing a statewide standard of infection control for child care centers. However, as we face this challenge, there is no substitute for personal responsibility. I urge all Texans to do everything in their power to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus by wearing a face mask, washing their hands often, and staying six-feet apart from others.”
Bowie County reports 21 new cases from the weekend for a total of 268 positive COVID-19 cases, 119 recoveries and 16 related deaths.
Cass County reports 44 cases with 36 recoveries and two deaths.
Marion County reports a total of 24 positive COVID-19 cases with 18 recoveries and one related death.