After a gradual decrease in hospitalizations from COVID-19 over the past few months, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week that he’s loosening restrictions that’s been in place since June.
According to Abbott’s newest order, many businesses such as restaurants, retailers, gyms, offices and libraries could expand their capacity from 50% to 75% starting on Monday, September 21. Hospitals can once again offer elective procedures, and nursing homes could start allowing some visitations. Bars will remain closed, although Abbott stressed that the state is investigating solutions to reopen them safely.
The updated restrictions apply to all Texas hospital regions except for three — Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and Victoria. Abbott says COVID-19 patients make up more than than 15% of their hospitalizations and will need to decrease before those areas can safely expand their reopening.
As of September 17, total state COVID-19 hospitalizations are 3,246, which is a drop from the state’s high point of 10,893 hospitalizations in July. To learn more about Abbott’s revised restrictions, go online at Gov.Texas.Gov.