GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT ANNOUNCED the next stage of the state’s return from the Coronavirus lockdown on Monday, stating that child care centers and youth clubs could be immediately opened.
However, the biggest news out of the conference is that professional sports – albeit without spectators – can resume play throughout the state on May 31.
Abbott’s decision to expand the reopening of the state’s economy comes despite the fact that the state saw its total of coronavirus cases increased to nearly 48,000 on Monday, including 1,336 deaths.
Restaurants, which opened at 25% capacity at the start of May, will now double to 50% beginning on Friday, which will also mark the re-opening of bars throughout the state, although at limited capacity.
“Today, tomorrow and every day going forward, is one day closer to medical discoveries that will treat and protect people from getting COVID-19,” said Abbott. “Until that day, our focus is to keep you safe while also restoring your ability to get back to work. To open businesses to pay your bills, to put food on your table…a way to coexist with COVID-19.”
Friday will also mark the first day that bowling alleys, bingo halls, zoos and aquariums can be opened at 25% capacity.
A sharp dip in the positivity rate helped Abbott’s decision to begin execution of Phase 2. On Sunday, the positivity rate was at 4.97%, a considerable contrast from the 13.86% rate on April 17. Abbott’s plan also stresses that employers and employees continue to implement screening measures.
Gyms were given the green light to reopen on Monday, although locker rooms and showers were not allowed to do so. Monday also marked the first day state parks would begin to honor reservations for the summer months.
While professional sports will receive the blessing of Abbott to resume, professional sports leagues have yet to make a decision on a possible return of their respective seasons. The National Basketball Association is expected to announce in early June whether it would restart while Major League Baseball is in the process of putting together a scenario that would see an 82-game regular season and an expanded playoff format that would begin on July 3-5.
Still, healthy habits must be paramount, including safe distancing while also using face masks, hand washing and sanitized areas.
“We are getting through this,” said Abbott, “but right now more than ever, we need to work together as one Texas. Be a good neighbor. Be a Texan.”
