Brief synopsis of Governor Abbott’s Press Conference, May 18, 2020

by admin

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott gave a news conference Monday to discuss his plans to reopen businesses in the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Here are some of the things he said:

  • COVID-19 still exists in Texas. We have to find ways to coexist with the disease. Continue to practice good hand hygiene, social distancing, wearing masks and other protective measures.
  • Seniors should continue to stay home if at all possible.
  • In the three weeks since the announcement of reopening, there is now ample supply of safety equipment and testing has increased – more than 600 sites all across Texas.
  • Nursing homes, jails and meatpacking plants are the top three hotspots for COVID-19. Working to test 100% of all of the residents and workers at nursing homes.
  • Texas Division of Emergency Management has search teams that have tested thousands of Texans across the state.
  • Voluntary test and trace system will also help contain the spread of COVID-19. Abbott will ensure that system will protect privacy
  • Key metrics that show COVID-19 in the community:
    • Positivity rate – percentage of people who test positive.
    • Hospitalizations/Hospital Capacity – We have plenty of ventilators and hospital and ICU beds.
  • Unemployment numbers are too high and unacceptable, that said, Texas has the lowest unemployment rate compared to many other states. The best thing we can do is to continue to open up is for more people continue being cautious. The more we do this, the more we can open and get the economy and unemployment back to a healthy level.
  • New round of reopenings:
    • Texas is prepared to move into phase 2 for opening based on scientific data. Every decision is unanimously supported by a team of medical experts.
    • Businesses that can open today: Other personal service businesses, businesses located in office buildings, child care services
    • Restaurants can open at 50%, bars, wine tasting rooms and similar businesses can reopen at 25% starting Friday.
    • May 31: Youth camps and little league camps can open. Some pro sports can also return.
    • Theme parks and other similar organizations are not yet opening. Watching Disney and other parks to help make decisions.

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