Gov. Abbott Closing Bars and Limiting Dining and Events
In an effort to slow the surging spread of COVID-19 in Texas, Gov. Gregg Abbott has just announced that bars, or any business that receives more than 51 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of alcohol must close at noon today. Sadly, there is more.
The order includes the following:
"All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission."
The order also includes restaurant restrictions.
"Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020."
The river trip you planned with your family is likely going to be effected now too as the order included the following, " Rafting and tubing businesses must close."
And sadly those they may have rescheduled their weddings, concerts or large events are also affected.
"Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions."
Gov. Abbott offers, “As I said from the start, if the positive rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 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 protect 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.”
It looks like while we took two steps forward to reopen Texas, we are now having to take one step back. Texans anxiously await to see just how many more steps there will be in the dance.
You can read the order in its entirety here.
KEEP READING: 50 community resources supporting Americans financially impacted by COVID-19