Governor Abbott Announces Additional Activities That Can Open Under Phase II
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on March 13, 2020, certifying under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code that the novel coronavirus (COVID- 19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in the State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, I issued proclamations renewing the disaster declaration for all counties in Texas on April 12 and May 12, 2020; and
WHEREAS, I issued Executive Order GA-23 on May 18, 2020, to set forth an expanded list of “Covered Services” that are or will soon be allowed during the COVID-19 disaster; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order GA-23 provided that additional Covered Services could be added by proclamation thereafter;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, do hereby expand the enumerated list of Covered Services in Executive Order GA-23 by adding items 18(h) and 2 1(d) as follows:
18. Starting at 12:0 1 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020, for all Texas counties except Deaf Smith, El Paso, Moore, Potter, and Randall counties:
h. Outdoor motorsports events that operate at up to 25 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the venue owner and that operate under guidelines that facilitate appropriate social distancing.
21. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020, for all Texas counties:
d. All professional sporting events (i) that operate at up to 25 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the venue owner for outdoor events or, for indoor events, with no spectators physically present on the premises of the venue; (ii) that operate under guidelines that facilitate appropriate social distancing; and (iii) for which a plan has been submitted to DSHS that incorporates minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS as applicable.
Executive Order GA-23 is amended to the extent provided in this proclamation, including to eliminate the approval process set forth in item 2 1(a) of Executive Order GA-23 because of the expanded Covered Service set forth in item 21(d) above. This proclamation shall remain in effect and in full force for as long as Executive Order GA 23 is in effect and in full force, unless otherwise modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by the governor.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 22nd day of May, 2020.
Governor Greg Abbott