Governor Abbott filed Executive Order GA-26. This executive order no longer singles out types of businesses that may operate, and instead generally authorizes all businesses to operate at a 50% indoor occupancy level. Some entities are excluded from the 50% limitation and one has a delayed start date. The outline below is a summary of Executive Order GA-26.
You may also visit the Open Texas Website for more information.
Under Phase 3, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at 50% capacity, with two exceptions. The following exceptions are listed below:
- Businesses that could previously operate at 100% can continue to do so, those are listed below:
- 1. Businesses providing CISA services;
- 2. Religious services, such as a church or house of worship
- 3. Operations performed by a local government;
- 4. Child care services;
- 5. Youth camps; and
- 6. Recreational sports programs for youth and adults
- Amusement parks can operate at 50% capacity, but in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases may open beginning June 19th.
Outdoor capacity
In addition to authorizing all businesses at 50% indoor capacity, the executive order generally authorizes unlimited outdoor capacity limits, subject to appropriate social distancing. The following, however, are still subject to an outdoor limit of 50% of the normal operating limits:
- Professional, collegiate and similar sporting events
- Swimming pools
- Water parks
- Museums and libraries
- Zoos, aquariums, and natural caverns
- Rodeos and equestrian events
Outdoor gatherings estimated to exceed 500 people that are not outlined in the Executive Order may be further restricted by a local county judge or mayor.
Bars, and similar establishments, may operate at 50%, but patrons must remain seated.
On June 12, two additional changes take place:
- Restaurants may go to 75% indoor occupancy
- Counties that have less than 10 active cases of COVID-19 and have filed an attestation with the DSHS may increase the indoor and outdoor occupancy for other businesses (as applicable) from 50% to 75%.
Be A Good Neighbor:
- Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings.
- People should not be in groups greater than ten when possible
- People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible
- People are still asked to avoid visiting nursing homes, state-supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities
Also, please note that the guidance and protocols found on the Open Texas website are frequently updated and should be checked on a weekly basis for changes.
We want to thank State Senator Dist. 20 Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa for his help with this issue.