The Texas State Governor today issued an order that call for all bars to close after rampant spread of covid-19 over the past few weeks. The order also reduces indoor restaurant capacity to 50% but allows them to remain open for dine in service. Rafting and tubing businesses are order closed and gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments. According to a press release from the governor’s office, these orders are “part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured 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.”
Governor Abbott said, “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 enhance 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.”
The Governor’s office did not discuss additional financial assistance for those businesses required to close.