Abbott Alerts are your latest update on all things Texas politics!
April 30th, 2020
"The Abbott Alerts newsletter allows you to stay up to date on the latest news, and I'll let you know what we are doing to keep Texas the most exceptional state in America."
PHASE 1 OF TEXAS’ PLAN TO OPEN THE STATE STARTS THIS FRIDAY, MAY 1ST
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On Monday, I issued new Executive Orders to begin opening the state of Texas while containing the spread of COVID-19.
Beginning May 1st, retail stores, restaurants, malls, movie theaters, museums, and libraries are allowed to open so long as they limit occupancy to 25 percent and follow minimum standard health protocols from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
In addition, this plan allows single person offices to reopen and provides guidelines for Texans to safely participate in certain outdoor sports.
Health protocol checklists for employers, employees, customers, and more can be found here
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Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Importantly, this plan also provides special guidance to protect the most vulnerable Texans from exposure to COVID-19, including those who are 65 and older with underlying medical conditions.
We urge these higher risk Texans to continue following strong social distancing guidelines and to stay at home when at all possible.
Ramping up Testing and Tracing
Another core part of opening up safely is having an effective testing and tracing process that can quickly identify any flare-ups in COVID-19.
We have already developed a robust testing and tracing program and will continue to expand this program in the coming weeks.
With all of the tests run by the state and local governments as well as the rapidly increasing number of tests run by the private sector, Texas should easily exceed our goal of 25,000 tests per day.
Texas is also ramping up our contact tracing capabilities in such a way that protects liberty and privacy. We are establishing a team of thousands of contact tracers who will help identify those who have been in contact with an infected person so that they can self-isolate for 14 days and prevent spreading the virus further.
Texans Helping Texans
We are all in this together. Just as Texans helped slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and following social distancing guidelines, we need all Texans to work together to open our state for business.
The strategic approach to opening Texas prioritizes the health and safety of our communities by following guidelines from our medical experts.
We are committed to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and must continue to rely on doctors and data to provide the safest strategies to restore the livelihoods of Texans.
If we adhere to social distancing guidelines and standard health protocols, we can continue to open the Lone Star State.
The full details for Phase 1 of this plan can be found in The Governor’s Report to Open Texas.
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RELAXING CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND AMENDING REQUIREMNTS FOR HOSPITAL CAPACITY
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The state relaxed certain restrictions related to health care professionals under Executive Order GA-19
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and issues amended requirements related to hospital capacity.
Our team of Hospitals must reserve at least 15% of its capacity for treatment of COVID-19 patients, as determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
LIFTING CERTAIN TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
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The mandatory 14-day quarantine period for individuals traveling from Louisiana has now been eliminated under Executive Order GA-20
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But, the mandated 14-day quarantine remains in place for travelers from the following areas:
California; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; and Miami, Florida.
NEW INTERACTIVE MAP: FIND COVID-19 TEST COLLECTION SITES NEAR YOU
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The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Department of State Health Services have launched an online COVID-19 test collection map to help Texans locate test collection sites in their communities.
More than 340 test collection sites are currently listed on the map and additional locations will be added as more sites are identified across the Lone Star State.
The COVID-19 Test Collection Map can be accessed HERE
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TEXAS WILL BE THE "MODEL FOR THE NATION" FOR THE BEST WAY TO OPEN THE ECONOMY
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According to a Texas A&M University professor and pandemic specialist, the Lone Star State will serve as a model for other states to open their economies.
Our team of medical experts are guiding us on safe, data-reliant strategies to open as many businesses as possible in ways that contain the spread of COVID-19.
We are optimistic as we head into Phase 1 of our ongoing plan to Open Texas.
ALCOHOL-TO-GO SALES CAN CONTINUE AFTER MAY 1ST
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Alcohol-to-go sales can toninue as we begin Phase 1 of opening Texas this Friday, May 1st.
Restaurants may open with limited capacity (25%) under Phase 1, but alcohol-to-go sales and expanded to-go options may continue as the state continues to respond to COVID-19.
TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION RECEIVED $54M IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR HIGH RISK TEXANS
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission received nearly $54 million in federal funds to support older Texans and people with disabilities during the state's COVID-19 response.
These funds will help provide high risk Texans with the addition support and resources to meet their everyday needs while allowing them to stay at home and stay safe.
FUNDS FOR TEXANS EXPERIENCING HOUSING CHALLENGES DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
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The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs announced that they will provide HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance to Texans experiencing housing challenges due to COVID-19.
Up to $11.3 million will be available to current TBRA administrators in coming weeks who will then distribute the aid to qualifying Texans.
Visit the "Help for Texans" website
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for more information.
TEXANS HELPING TEXANS
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If you would like to donate or volunteer your time during the ongoing COVID-19 response, click HERE
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REQUEST A BIRTHDAY CARD FROM THE FIRST DOGS OF TEXAS
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The First Dogs of Texas, Pancake and Peaches, are sending exclusive birthday cards to Texas children.
To request a birthday card for your friends and family CLICK HERE
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