Texas Governor Abbott Issues Statewide Plan To Reopen Texas

Yesterday, Governor Abbott announced the first phase of his plan to reopen Texas. The Governor's announcement was accompanied by The Governor's Report to Open Texas, a 60+ page guide laying out the plan for reopening (with capacity restrictions) certain businesses across the state starting on May 1. The Report to Open also includes information about ongoing testing efforts in Texas, plans to initiate phased contact-tracing, and guidance for employers (including industry-specific checklists) on recommended health/safety protocols during the reopening.

In a press conference, Governor Abbott said a second phased opening of other businesses could occur as soon as May 18, provided Texas does not see a surge in COVID-19 cases. Phase I begins Friday, May 1 and continues until at least May 15. Importantly, the Governor also announced a statewide test and trace program developed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).