Reopening Texas
Updated 5/5/2020 by Ellen Troxclair
According to Governor Abbott Tuesday, the Texas hospitalization numbers and infection rates have remained steady or declined, and Texans are moving forward towards Phase 2 of reopening Texas.
For Austinites, Mayor Adler has issued a "mandatory" mask order and extended the "stay at home" order indefinitely. However, neither are enforceable or carry penalties as they are superseded by the state order. Wearing masks continues to be strongly encouraged by the Governor and may be required by businesses.
May 8
Hair and nail salons may open, provided that they are able to maintain the standards outlined here.
May 18
Office building and gyms may open
Non-essential manufacturing may reopen at 25% capacity, provided they follow the state standards.
Additional Notes
Bars will remain closed while the state refines strategies for safety.
People over 65 should continue stay home. Everyone should continue wearing masks.
Weddings are added to the allowed events with appropriate social distancing and 25% capacity indoors.
The CDC is expected to make new announcements about federal guidelines regarding child care in the next few days.
Two key indicators that critical to reopening decision making are the infection rate and the hospitalization rate. Hospitalization numbers have remained steady or declining even though the total number of people tested and the total number of active cases has increased. Texas still has 19K hospital beds and 6,600 ventilators available.
Currently, more than 95% of the people who are tested, test negative. This is despite the fact that the people who are most likely to be tested are sick or in high risk environments, meaning that the true infection rate of the total population is likely even lower. News stories highlighting only the number of cases are misleading. We always expected the number of cases to increase as number of daily tests increased. The rate is the more holistic and important number to consider, and this is continuing to decline.
It is possible/expected that we will see flare ups in certain areas (ex: meat packing plants, certain zip codes, etc) as we reopen. Between the Department of State Health Services and the Texas National Guard, the state is prepared to handle these situations. Continuing to wear masks, diligent hand washing, and proper social distancing can help us to reopen safely.
Updated 4/28/2020 by Ellen Troxclair
The Texas Public Policy Foundation has appointed me to their Economic Recovery Council, which is helping to advise Governor Abbott through his Strike Force on reopening the state.
According to Governor Abbott on April 27, the infection rate in Texas has been on the decline for 17 days and hospital capacity has remained steady. Texas has the third most recoveries in the country (and is still the best state in the country!).
Therefore, the stay at home order will expire on April 30th, as originally scheduled.
Beginning May 1st, Phase 1 of reopening will begin.
Pending the continued containment,
Phase 2 may begin as soon as May 18th.
Phase 1: May 1
All retail stores, restaurants, and movie theaters may reopen (if they choose) with an occupancy of no more than 25% capacity (Businesses in counties with fewer than 5 cases may increase their capacity to 50%). This supersedes any local orders.
Museums and libraries may reopen with occupancy of no more than 25% capacity. State libraries and museums will reopen, while the reopening of private or local government run facilities is their decision.
Churches will remain open with social distancing guidelines. (Many will resume services this Sunday.)
Outdoor sports with fewer than 4 participants and where social distancing can be followed are permitted (such as golf & tennis).
All licensed health care professionals (dentists, chiropractors, etc.) may reopen with few restrictions. Hospitals must maintain 15% capacity for potential COVID patients.
Vulnerable populations (65+) should remain at home.
While wearing a mask is strongly encouraged, no city or county may impose a penalty for not wearing one.
Notes about Phase 1
Amplified containment efforts, such as additional contact tracers and expanded testing are underway, with a goal of 25,000 tests per day.
Hair salons, gyms, and bars will remain closed, with the hope to open in mid-May.
6,000 child care facilities are open for essential workers and a child care task force is working on additional options.
Summer camps are still pending consideration.
Dr. Birx has reviewed and endorsed the Texas plan.
Phase 2: As Soon As May 18
(Pending Containment)
Occupancy to already opened businesses may expand from 25% to 50%.
More sports may be allowed.
Hair salons, gyms, etc. may be able to open.
The Phase 2 decision will be made based on a variety of data points including:
Stable hospitalization rate.
Decrease in the number of deaths.
Whether there are there hotspots that need to be contained.
Because testing will increase, an increased in the number of people testing positive alone should not be a driving factor.
The Plan Requires Four Things:
Commitment to continue safe distancing practices.
Reliance on advice from medical professionals.
A focus on protecting the most vulnerable.
Allowing entrepreneurs to restore livelihoods.
