Gov. Abbott closes schools through May 4, extends social distancing order

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide order on Tuesday, closing all Texas schools through May 4 and extending his social distancing order for all Texans through April 30 as part of the state’s battle with the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

During a news conference, Abbott told Texans to stay at home for the next month, unless they are taking part in essential services and activities.

A list of essential services can be found at tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices.

The updated order directs Texans to “minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”

The order maintains Abbott’s prior statewide order closing bars and restaurant dine-in rooms, while expanding it to hair salons as well as piercing and tattoo studios.

The order does not prohibit people from accessing essential services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station, or engaging in physical activity like jogging or bicycling, so long as social distancing is maintained. Religious services can still be conducted, so long as conduct is consisted with the guidelines.

The statewide order is effective 12:01 a.m. on April 2 and will continue through April 30. The order is subject to extension based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC and the White House Coronavirus Task Force.