Governor Abbott issues essential services and activities order thru April 30

Governor Greg Abbott issued an essential services-only order on Tuesday that will remain in effect until April 30. The Governor also announced that schools will remain closed until May 4.

“I am establishing essential services and essential activities protocols, said Governor Abbott in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

The Governor gave Texas statewide consistent rules to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. He says the executive order deliberately does not tell Texans to shelter-in-place.

“This is not a stay at home strategy,” said Governor Abbott. “This is a standard that is based on essential services and essential activities.”

The statewide order is similar to what Travis, Hays and Williamson counties already have in place. Texans can continue to go to essential businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, hardware stores and banks. They can also continue to use drive-thru, pickup and delivery options for food and drinks. Outdoor activities, like walking dogs, are also encouraged.

“Activities like jogging or biking and hunting and fishing are permissible as long as precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and limit in person contact with others,” said Governor Abbott.

Cities and counties were also alerted that the Governor’s Executive Order supersedes any local rules.

“To the extent that any county or local jurisdiction has any rule that is inconsistent with this executive order it is overridden by this executive order,” said Governor Abbott.

Enforcement is also now consistent county to county through the end of the April.

“What the executive order does it empowers any law enforcement officer in the State of Texas to enforce it. It’s enforceable by a fine or jail up to 180 days,” said

Governor Abbott says a statewide plan for essential services and essential activities is needed to heal our state.

“We are not yet done with our response. We cannot forfeit the gains that we have already made by cutting short our task. We’ve come too far to falter now,” said Governor Abbott.

The statewide rules are in effect through April 30th and school cannot resume until May 4th. The latest reports show the coronavirus could peak in Texas the first week of May, so more changes could be made to how long the executive order is in effect.