Guide to Reopening Texas Businesses Safely as We Recover from COVID-19

June 16, 2020

“As we open Texas, we are each called upon to be Texans: to act responsibly as we re-engage in the economy, to continue following all health precautions and sanitizing guidelines, and to care for our vulnerable neighbors. Lives depend on our actions. I know you will respond as Texans.”

  – Governor Greg Abbott

On June 3^rd, Governor Greg Abbott announced the third phase of the State of Texas’ plan to open the economy while safely containing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase III, now in effect, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at up to 50% capacity, with minimal exceptions. Businesses that previously have been able to operate at 100% capacity may continue to do so, and most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits. All businesses and customers should continue to follow minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

As with previous phases, the Phase III plan is based on the advice and support of the four doctors on the Strike Force to Open Texas medical team. Via Executive Order, Phase III begins immediately. Below is a breakdown of Phase III. 

1. All businesses currently operating at 25% capacity can expand their occupancy to 50% with certain exceptions. 
2. Bars and similar establishments may increase their capacity to 50% as long as only those patrons who are seated are served.
3. Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed positive cases may open at 50% capacity. 

Effective June 12th:

1. Restaurants with less than 51% of gross sales from alcoholic beverages may expand their occupancy levels to 75%. 
2. Any business in a county with 10 or less active COVID-19 cases that was previously open at 50% capacity can increase to 75%. Counties that fit this category but have not previously filed an attestation with DSHS will need to do so.

Effective June 19th:

1. All amusement parks and carnivals may open at up to 50% capacity (not just those in counties with less than 1,000 cumulative confirmed positive cases of COVID-19).

There are special provisions for outdoor gatherings, such as Fourth of July celebrations, but it is imperative that local officials and public health officials collaborate on safety standards. These provisions are included in the Governor’s Executive Order and are also available on the Open Texas webpage.

All businesses should continue to follow the minimum standard of health protocols from DSHS. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit http://open.texas.gov.

Remember, Before You Go Out:

1. Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings.
2. Whenever possible, avoid being in groups larger than ten.
3. People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.
4. People are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state-supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities.

View Tips & Guidelines for Specific Business Types:
https://open.texas.gov/