San Antonio Corridor News

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a set of standards for gradually reopening state economies at a pace set by governors, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a series of gradual moves for Texas that started this week.

First to reopen were state parks, though there are restrictions, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. Additionally, Abbott announced that medical supply levels have allowed elective surgeries to resume.

State park restrictions will include visitors only being permitted to be in the parks during the day, and then only with a reservation. Groups entering state parks will also be limited to no more than five individuals. Additionally, social distancing guidelines will still apply in state parks, including wearing face masks and 6-foot distancing measures.

Though he did not commit to the measure, Abbott also said that by April 24 retail stores around Texas may be permitted to resume operations in the form of providing pickup services that minimize contact. The next announcement of further re-opening measures is expected on April 27, with the phasing back into full operations extending into May.

As of April 23, Texas reported 21,944 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 561 deaths. 

In the phased plan presented by Trump, each of three phases is expected to last a minimum of two weeks, with a review at the end of each phase to determine if it is appropriate to move into the next, according to the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

In the first phase, schools would still be closed and nonessential travel and gatherings of more than 10 people would be discouraged.

In the second, social distancing would continue to be encouraged and gatherings would be limited to 50 people, though that number could be higher with proper precautions. Non-essential travel would also again be permitted.

The third phase, essentially, a return to normal life continues with the exception of identifying and isolating new outbreaks.

“You’re going to call your own shots,” Trump told governors in a conference call. “We’re going to be standing alongside of you.”