Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Issued May 18, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott announced the second phase of the State of Texas' ongoing plan to open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Via Executive Order, the following services and activities may open under Phase II. The effective date is in parenthesis.

• Child Care Centers (May 18)
• Massage and Personal-Care Centers (May 18)
• Youth Clubs (effective May 18)
• Rodeo and Equestrian Events (May 22)
• Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks (May 22)
• Bars (May 22)
• Aquariums and Natural Caverns (May 22)
• Zoos (May 29)
• Day Youth Camps (May 31)
• Overnight Youth Camps (May 31)
• Youth Sports (May 31)
• Certain professional sports without in-person spectators (May 31)

Additionally, restaurants may expand their occupancy to 50% beginning May 22, 2020. Bars, including wine tasting rooms, craft breweries, and similar businesses, may open at 25% occupancy but like restaurants, these occupancy limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distancing among parties.

Opened services and activities under Phase II are subject to certain occupancy limits and health and safety protocols. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit www.gov.texas.gov/opentexas.

The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who appear to have few or no symptoms. Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk. Because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should rigorously follow the practices specified in these protocols on the following pages, all of which will support a safe and measured reopening of Texas. The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities.

The DSHS minimum recommended health protocols are subject to change based on new and evolving information.

We should continue to observe practices that protect everyone, including those who are most vulnerable. Individuals, employers, employees, and customers are encouraged to review, print out, and follow the MINIMUM health protocols recommended by DSHS in the checklists located in the Governor's Report linked below, in addition to federal and state employment laws and workplace safety standards.

The PDF version of the Texans Helping Texans: The Governor's Report to Open Texas is embedded below.