AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott is temporarily closing schools, restaurant dining areas, gyms and bars statewide in his most sweeping action yet to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. The order is effective early Saturday morning and continues until April 3, he said Thursday.
“All jurisdictions must work to contain the spread of COVID-19 for at least the next two weeks,” Abbott said in a televised announcement from the Texas Capitol.
His executive order limits social gatherings to no more than 10 people and restricts people from visiting nursing homes and retirement centers unless they are providing “critical assistance,” he said. While dining in at restaurants and bars will not be allowed, Abbott encouraged Texans to continue ordering food from local eateries for pickup or delivery.
All schools in Texas will be temporarily closed, though Abbott said superintendents should work with the state to continue “online or additional education options.”