.@GovAbbott is set to make an announcement shortly regarding his plans for reopening the economy in Texas. Follow here for updates! (Tweets from @taygoldenstein)
Abbott starts by thanking Texans for following social distancing guidelines, health care workers, “unsung heroes,” like child care and grocery store workers, as well as @realDonaldTrump and local leaders.
Abbott says he has created new statewide “strike force” to help him decide how to reopen the Texas economy. Team includes @DanPatrick, House Speaker @RepDennisBonnen, AG @KenPaxtonTX & comptroller @Glenn_Hegar
Business leaders will also be on the team helping Abbott decide how to reopen economy, including Kendra Scott, Michael Dell, many others.
BREAKING: Abbott announces executive order that, starting April 22, will loosen restrictions on surgeries. Abbott offers example of a diagnostic test for cancer.
Abbott says state parks will be reopened beginning Monday. Visitors must wear face coverings or masks and cannot gather in groups larger than five.
BREAKING: @GovAbbott announces all schools will be closed for the rest of the school year.
Abbott says on April 27, he'll announce more steps to reopen the Texas economy.
“Step by step, we will open Texas.”
“Step by step, we will open Texas.”
Some other news I missed, because my feed cut out, to follow. Apologies for the technical error.
Abbott also announced that stores in Texas, should be able to operate “to-go,” starting next Friday, April 24.
Abbott also said he will enhance standards for nursing homes and assisted living centers. Mentions infection control policies and minimizing movement of staff.
Asked about #COVID19 testing in Texas, Abbott gives no hard numbers but says: “It will be going up quite a bit.”
Asked whether any business should be opening without more testing, Abbott says he’s working based on data that shows flattening of the curve. And reiterates that retail will be “to-go,” not fully open.
Asked whether the loosening of surgery restrictions announced today includes abortions, Abbott says no.
The issue has drawn a winding, ongoing legal battle in federal court.
houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-t…
The issue has drawn a winding, ongoing legal battle in federal court.
houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-t…
Abbott says today’s executive order includes exceptions to the stay-at-home order, which expires April 30. Says he/team will consider eliminating the stay-at-home at the April 27 announcement.
That’s all, folks. Thanks for following and check out our developing story here: houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas…
