Texas enters Phase 2 of reopening as Gov. Abbott announces opening dates for child care centers, bars and sporting events

In a press conference May 18, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas is heading into Phase 2 of its reopening plan, with openings planned for child care services, bars and other businesses.

Abbott previously announced office buildings and businesses such as gyms could open May 18. Office buildings may open for 10 employees or 25% of their workforce, provided social distancing is enforced. In conjunction with that, he said child care facilities may also open with health care restrictions in place requiring sanitization procedures and limiting the size of groups.

On May 22, restaurants may open for 50% capacity, and bars, wine tasting rooms and breweries may open for 25% capacity. These restrictions do not apply to outdoor seating as long as social distancing is enforced, according to Abbott.

Youth clubs such as Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts may also open May 18, and Abbott said summer camps and programs such as Little League may open May 31. Professional sports may also resume, provided spectators are not physically present.

For hot spots of COVID-19 cases such as Amarillo and El Paso, Abbott said Phase 2 will be delayed until the week of May 25.

“We are getting through this. But now more than ever, we need to work together as one Texas,” Abbott said. “As we move into Phase 2, be a good neighbor. Be a Texan."

For a full list of guidelines to reopen businesses across the state, visit www.gov.texas.gov/opentexas.