City Manager Robert Camareno had told residents this week that restrictions on businesses would be loosened based upon guidance from Abbott, but today's press release from the city states that the city's order is already in line with the governor's most recent orders.
“The Governor’s Executive Order affirms the actions our community has taken to ensure the safety of our residents while working to limit the economic impact to businesses,” said Mayor Barron Casteel in the press release.
A supplement to the city's stay-at-home order was issued on March 27 that allows for the pickup or delivery of non-essential retail services and goods, which was the focus of one of Abbott's new orders.
“While enacting measures to keep employees and consumers healthy, we also recognized that it is important for businesses who are able to function, do so in a safe manner," Casteel said. "Retail operations and other non-essential businesses in New Braunfels have been able to remain open, so long as they provided their products through delivery or pick-up.”
Abbott's order allows non-essential businesses to reopen statewide as of next Friday, April 24.
“The coordinated response to COVID-19 across New Braunfels has been crucial to keeping our community healthy,” Casteel said. “We have to extend our sincerest gratitude to front-line employees, such as staff in the City’s fire, police and public works departments, for their continued work serving our community."
Casteel also extended gratitude to the city's community partners, and thanked local media outlets for their efforts.
Comal County's Public Information Officer, Paul Anthony, said in an email that the county's order was designed to incorporate any orders made by the governor's office.
That means retail businesses deemed nonessential in the county—outside of New Braunfels' city limits and previously ordered closed—may deliver items to customer's cars, homes or other locations, beginning April 24.
Anthony went on to say that the county will continue to study the new orders and accompanying guidance to determine if it needs to amend its current orders next week.
All together, Abbott's orders also closed all public and private schools through the rest of their spring semesters, created a business strike force, and amended the state's orders on medical facilities and their operations.
Online classes are still permitted and local districts have already transitioned to such formats. The last day of school for New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD is May 28.
*This story was updated to include how Comal County's policies will change due to Gov. Abbot's orders.
