On April 17, 2020, Governor Abbott Issued 3 New Executive Orders loosening lockdown guidelines.

Executive Order (GA-17)

• A Strike Force to reopen the state is established.

Executive Order (GA-15)

• Monday, April 20, state parks reopen. Visitors must wear face coverings, maintain six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party and gatherings larger than five are prohibited.

• Wednesday, April 22, restrictions on surgeries loosened.

Executive Order (GA-16)

• Friday, April 24, retail outlets in Texas to reopen with temporary "Retail-To-Go" model that will require establishments to deliver items to customer's cars, homes, or other locations to minimize contact.

• Schools — including public, private, and higher education institutions — will remain closed for the 2019-2020 school year. Teachers may go into the classroom for video instruction, to perform administrative duties, and to clean out their classrooms.

On March 31, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott amended his previous Executive Order extending protocols directing all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household, including closing schools and instructing Texans to avoid eating or drinking at bars and restaurants. The order extends the deadline for these guidelines to April 30th. Schools will remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance through May 4, 2020. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services. Examples of these essential services include healthcare, grocery stores, banking and financial services, utilities, child care for essential service employees, and government services. The order also includes exemption for religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.

Executive Order Press Release

GUIDANCE ON THE ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKFORCE

All Announcements from Texas Governor

• Office of the Texas Governor - News

• https://gov.texas.gov/news

Use the following links to view all announcements about COVID-19 in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties.