Gov. Gregg Abbott announced that he signed an executive order reopening Texas through strict guidelines, according to a recently published article.

PHASE 1 OF "OPENING UP AMERICA AGAIN"

As can be read in a recently published article by Latin Post, President Donald Trump announced the "Opening Up America Again" initiative that aims to slowly reopen the country under three phases, which is supported by his medical advisers. States can now slowly open their region if they pass the criteria of each phase. 

Phase 1 allows the region to open if they meet the criteria laid forth by the federal government. In this phase, social distancing should still be observed, the gathering of more than ten people will not be allowed, and non-essential travels should be avoided. 

This means that the U.S. will not open drastically but instead follow protocols to avoid the spread and to control the virus while vaccines are not yet available on the market.

TEXAS REOPENS UNDER PHASE 1

After a month under lockdown due to COVID-19, Texas officials are now taking the first step in reopening the state. Gov. Abbott will ease some restrictions across the state. However, he asserted that social distancing protocols should still be observed, and schools across the state are to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. 

The state will open parks on Monday, but people still need to observe social distancing of six feet from each other strictly, people are still obliged to wear face masks, and the gathering of more than five persons will not be allowed. 

Moreover, hospitals will be allowed to have elective tests and surgeries while stores can have their "retail to go" starting Wednesday and Friday, respectively.

Gov. Abbott said that there would be more openings in May if things go well this month.

CREATION OF STRIKE FORCE IN OPENING TEXAS

Gov. Abbott established the "Strike Force," which will advise the governor on how to safely and strategically reopen the state through Phases 1 to 3. They are composed of nationally recognized medical experts and public and private leaders.

Gov. Abbott said: "We have shown that Texas can continue our efforts to contain COVID-19 while also adopting safe standards that will allow us to begin the process of reopening Texas."

He also added: "The Strike Force to Open Texas brings together nationally recognized medical experts with public and private sector leaders to achieve this mission. By coming together, we can get Texans back to work, practice safety standards that will prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we can overcome this pandemic." 

However, it is still not clear if the Executive Order of Gov. Abbott will supersede the extended stay-at-home order beyond May 1 in some Texas cities. 

This is a crucial step for Texas because if there will be another recorded infection during Phase 1, the state needs to return to the stay-at-home policy. It can be remembered that Pres. Trump said that they will not open at once but will use careful steps at a time based on the guidelines.

Read a related article: