Houston Chronicle by Jeremy Blackman April 17, 2020
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday a return to work for some Texans, moving to reinvigorate the state’s flagging economy even as COVID-19 cases in the state continue to increase.
The governor, who has come under pressure from fellow Republicans to prioritize the economic fallout from the pandemic, said retailers will be able to open drive-up operations late next week, and doctors in non-frontline specialties can resume some procedures beginning Wednesday.
State parks will also reopen, with restrictions in place to ensure social distancing.
“In opening Texas, we must be guided by data and doctors,†Abbott said. “We must put health and safety first. We must prioritize protecting our most vulnerable populations.â€
Abbott said school closures will be extended through the end of the school year. Public school districts will continue to provide online instruction through the remainder of the school year to avoid losing state funding and extending their calendars.
The order drew widespread praise from superintendents and leaders of unions representing school employees, who agreed that returning to classes was untenable.
More:
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Gov-Abbott-closes-Texas-schools-through-summer-15208172.php
