Hinojosa: Phase III to Open Texas

On Wednesday June 3, 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 percent 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. 

Under Phase 3, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity, with two exceptions. The following exceptions are listed below:

• Businesses that could previously operate at 100 percent 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 percent capacity, but in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases may open beginning June 19.

Outdoor capacity

In addition to authorizing all businesses at 50 percent 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
• Waterparks
• 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 percent 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 occupancies for other businesses (as applicable) from 50 percent to 75 percent.

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.  

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