On May 1, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began reopening the state by allowing some businesses to operate at 25% capacity. While retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, museums, libraries and malls were allowed to reopen under these conditions, some establishments such as hair salons and gyms were ordered to remain closed until further notice.
On Tuesday, May 5, Gov. Abbott announced an extension to his previous order allowing barbershops, hair and nail salons to open up at 25% capacity on Friday, May 8. Abbott mandates hairstylists could only work with one customer at a time, and wait lines will have to maintain social distance by at least 6 feet.
Gyms could also reopen at limited capacity starting on Monday, May 18. Abbott says showers and locker rooms would remain off-limits, and all equipment must be disinfected after use. Customers are also recommended to wear gloves and social distance.
“This order allows these businesses to reopen,” Abbott previously said. “It does not require them to do so. If a business owner feels unsafe opening at this time… there’s no requirement to do so."
Abbott also announced that over 427,000 Texans tested for COVID-19, while over 33,300 tested positive. There have been 906 COVID-19-related deaths so far, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. To read the full report of Abbott's plan to reopen Texas, go online at Gov.Texas.gov.