On Friday Texas will begin to emerge from a month-long lockdown that slowed the spread of the coronavirus. Gov. Greg Abbott says the worst of the outbreak is behind the state, and is hopeful that a phased reopening will get the economy rolling again quickly while also reducing the risk of a second surge in infections.
Here is what is changing (and what isn’t).
No more stay-home. Just stay safe.
As of Friday, you can leave your home with few restrictions, though governor has called for people to continue social distancing practies. Those include wearing masks in public and limiting the size of gatherings. He has also urged Texans who are over 65 or who have preexisting health conditions to continue staying home.
Churches remain open, but are encouraged to continue social distancing practices — families can still sit together, but the governor recommends a two-chair distance for non-family members.
Outdoor sports are allowed. The governor said Monday that they can’t include more than four people at one time, but his order does not explicitly say that.
Source: Here’s what changes as Texas begins reopening on Friday / Houston Chronicle