Governor Abbott Press Conference
Is the end finally near? There are glimmers of hope with respect to Texans getting back to business. Today, Governor Abbott announced that he has signed an executive order authorizing the re-opening of retail businesses beginning April 24 via “retail-to-go” measures. The Texas Department of State Health Services issued guidance on how retail businesses can re-open safely for both employees and customers. This guidance is intended for employers, employees, and customers of retail businesses reopening under the Governor’s Executive Order issued today. This guidance does not apply to businesses considered essential. The guidance measures are attached to this email and the highlights of the guidance are the following:
- All employees must be trained on environmental cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
- All employees must be screened before coming into the business for new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; sore throat; loss of taste or smell; feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit; or known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. Any employee who meets any of these criteria should be sent home.
- Upon entering the business, employees must wash or sanitize hands.
- All employees must wear face coverings.
- Employees must maintain at least 6 feet separation from one another.
Although the executive order issued by the Governor only covered retail businesses, Governor Abbott will again issue another announcement with respect to other businesses on April 27. Once more information is available, we will provide that.
Stay safe and keep the course. And please let us know if we can help.