Governor Extends Essential Services Executive Order Until April 30
By David Doolittle

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday extended executive orders that limit public gatherings until April 30.

“Every person in Texas shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain essential services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household,” the order read.

Under the orders, essential services such as health care and public health facilities, will continue to operate. Texans may continue to leave their homes to take part in essential activities.

“Texas Medical Association physicians applaud Gov. Greg Abbott for following the science and preventing Texans statewide from gathering – and potentially spreading this coronavirus,” TMA President David C. Fleeger, MD, said. “The fewer people exposed to COVID-19, the stronger our ability to overtake this disease without overwhelming our hospitals, physicians, nurses, and health care system.”

“Distancing practices are working. There are fewer people out who can transmit the disease from one person to the other,” Governor Abbott said at a news conference at the Capitol. “Now is not the time to let up in these distancing efforts. Now is the time to redouble our efforts.”

Other essential services include law enforcement and other public safety first-responders, resident and shelter facilities, grocery stores, transportation, and communications and information technology.

In addition, schools will remain closed until May 4.

As of Tuesday, 3,266 cases and 41 deaths have been confirmed in Texas, according to a tracker for Texas COVID-19 cases published by the state Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Last Updated On

March 31, 2020

Originally Published On

March 31, 2020

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