As Texas starts reopening amid coronavirus, here’s where you can go and what to expect
Thousands of Texas businesses have been cleared to reopen Friday under limited-occupancy rules as the state begins to take tentative steps forward during the coronavirus pandemic.
In Fort Worth and Tarrant County, many stir-crazy residents are likely to emerge from their homes, eager to shop for goods and services they haven’t enjoyed since Judge Glen Whitley issued a stay-at-home order five weeks ago.
The statewide order issued Monday by Gov. Greg Abbott supersedes local ordinances, which might clear up some of the confusion around what’s open and what’s not and what customers can expect when they arrive.
“This order allows these businesses to reopen,” Abbott said in a news conference Monday. “It doesn’t require them to do so.”
The governor’s order encourages Texans to wear face masks in public, but prohibits local governments from penalizing those who decline to wear them. The governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas issued a report to help businesses understand the steps they should take to reopen Friday but doesn’t specify how the many restrictions on businesses will be enforced.
When asked about enforcement, Abbott said violators could be fined up to $1,000 or jailed for up to 180 days. He said enforcement mostly would be left to local authorities, although violators could also lose their state licenses.
Here’s more of what to expect:
Hair and nail salons, gyms, bars
These services — some of which are the things people stuck in their homes have missed the most — will still be closed for at least a couple more weeks. Abbott said he is hopeful that these businesses can partially open by around May 18, but he hasn’t committed to that date. First, he said, the state has to do more research into how to keep customers and employees a safe distance from each other in these businesses.
Movie theaters
Theaters can open Friday, but only at 25% capacity at each individual movie. Theaters are encouraged to use remote ticket purchasing (i.e. online purchases) rather than in-person transactions, and to leave a gap of at least two seats between parties of movie-goers.
Theaters also are urged to alternate rows between visitors, and to disinfect seating areas after each screening. Disposable menus are among the safety requirements for theaters serving food.
Doctor’s offices
All doctor’s and dentist’s offices and other medical facilities may reopen Friday. Hospitals must reserve some of their capacity for the possible arrival of COVID-19 patients.
Museums and libraries
Museums and libraries can open at 25% capacity, at the discretion of the owner. Interactive exhibits (anything that encourages visitors to touch with their hands) and child play areas must remain closed.
Restaurants
Restaurants that receive less than half of their revenue from alcohol sales (most restaurants) may open dining areas at up to 25% capacity. Valet parking cannot be allowed, except for customers with disabilities. Groups must be at least six feet apart, including those waiting for a table. Tables of more than six are not allowed. A hand-sanitizing station must be available near the entrance. Restaurants are asked to consider having all employees wear cloth face coverings or non-medical-grade face masks. Contactless payment (such as with a phone or tablet) is encouraged.
Clothing, jewelry, gift shops
Most clothing and apparel retailers, which were previously designated “non-essential businesses,” can re-open as long as the number of people in the store doesn’t exceed 25% capacity. Some of these businesses began offering to-go services last week, but starting Friday they can allow customers inside. Retailers are encouraged to disinfect any items that come into contact with customers and to keep employees at least six feet away from customers. Business owners also are encouraged to offer certain hours of the day for at-risk customers, including those age 65 or older, or those with medical conditions.
Shopping malls
Shopping malls may open at 25% capacity. Food courts, play areas and interactive displays must remain closed.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, home goods
Stores that sell groceries, prescription drugs, home-improvement supplies and other goods considered “essential” by state government can remain open, as they have been throughout the crisis. But expect those stores to continue limiting the number of shoppers allowed inside at a time. These stores helped state and local governments identify what works and doesn’t work, in terms of social distancing in business establishments.
Many larger stores have created one-way aisles, put tape on the floor to ensure that customers stay two carts apart in line and added plastic guards to try to keep checkout clerks safe. At least one shipping store placed cardboard boxes in front of the counter to keep customers and workers a few feet apart.
Pet stores
The sale of pet food and pet care products is considered essential, and these stores have remained open throughout the crisis.
Parks and outdoors
Outdoor activities at city and state parks will be allowed, but only in groups of four or fewer. Abbott cited golf and tennis as examples of sports that can legally take place starting Friday. Residents are still expected to maintain six feet of social distancing at all times between themselves and anyone not part of their household.
However, cities parks and private establishments with green space can remain closed at their discretion.
In Fort Worth, parks and trails are often packed with residents craving fresh air. The city’s most recent emergency declaration allows use of parks, but requires that residents not from the same household maintain social distancing of six feet or more. In other words, no pickup ball games.
Fort Worth city workers removed basketball rims and soccer goal nets at many parks to prevent large pickup games. Fort Worth officials have not said whether they intend to put those pieces of equipment back into place.
Churches
It’s now legal, though strongly discouraged, to attend churches and other houses of worship in person. Abbott’s order prohibits cities and counties from restricting religious services.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price last week removed restrictions on in-person religious service attendance from the city’s declaration.
Staff Writer Tessa Weinberg contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 6:24 PM.
