Governor opens Texas to 75%; bars to 50%

After six months of being closed, Governor Greg Abbot issued an Executive Order on October 7 to open bars at up to 50% capacity in conjunction with county offcials. The decision will be based on hospital regions with low COVID-19 hospitalizations as of October 14.

“In accordance with Gov. Abbott’s decision to reopen bars effective October 14, Cass County will opt in if the hospitalization rate for COVID cases is at or below the prescribed 15% set in the Governor’s Order and if the bars enforce the prescribed restrictions/practices for capacity, sanitation and social distancing,” said Cass County Judge Becky Wilbanks.

Wilbanks added that she will be sending out a press release on Tuesday, after this paper goes to press. We will share that press release on our website and Facebook page.

“There are no words to describe how I feel about us being able to reopen,” said Monica Nunez Teague, owner of MJ’s in Domino – the only public bar in Cass County. “I’m very happy about it, obviously! There are so many emotions that I have about what this has done, not only to me, but my bartenders as well; not even sure how to put it in words.”

Teague, along with Caleb Goebel of the Linden VFW, are both ready to plan reopening events and put their employees back to work. Local veterans will be able to meet again and seek the camaraderie they need with fellow soldiers at the post.

If Wilbanks authorizes the opening of these establishments, certain protocols must be followed. As recommended by trade associations representing bars, dance floors at bars and similar establishments must remain closed. Consistent with protocols for restaurants, all patrons must be seated while eating or drinking (with limited exceptions for sampling at breweries, distilleries, and wineries), and must wear masks when they are not seated at a table. Additionally, tables must be limited to six individuals or less and all establishments must follow specific curfew guidelines

“Even as more businesses have opened and students return to school, Texans have shown we can contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “Thanks to Texans following the best health practices, our state is prepared for additional openings, including bars. Working with industry leaders and our team of medical experts, the State of Texas has now developed strategies to safely open bars under certain health protocols. To ensure bars open safely, these openings will be done in conjunction with county offcials. County Judges will be able to opt their county into opening bars so long as they assist in enforcing the health protocols. Opening bars does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a threat, and most Texans are still susceptible to the virus. As bars and similar businesses begin to open, we all must remain vigilant and show personal responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

The order also increases the occupancy levels for all other businesses to 75% if COVID hospitalizations are less than 15% of hospital capacity as of October 14.

People may once again visit nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities as determined through guidance from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities should follow infection control policies and practices set forth by HHSC, including minimizing the movement of staff between facilities whenever possible.