There has been some confusion in Granbury and Hood County as to which businesses could open, which couldn’t, which customer capacity they could safely reopen too, and what measures are they supposed to use to stay in line with the law in helping abate COVID-19.
Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Strike Force to Reopen Texas released an updated series of rule changes for businesses, activities and venues for Texans to adhere to during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included opening both essential and non-essential businesses.
“As we open Texas, we are each called upon to be Texans: to act responsibly as we re-engage in the economy, to continue following all health precautions and sanitizing guidelines, and to care for our vulnerable neighbors. Lives depend on our actions. I know you will respond as Texans,” Abbott said.
The following changes were made and go into effect, Friday:
Cosmetology salons, hair salons, nail salons, tanning salons and barbershops will be allowed to open with restrictions, including one customer per stylist and appropriate social distancing. The governor also strongly recommended masks for both stylists and customers and using a reservation system to avoid grouping of walk-ins in waiting areas.
Effective Monday, May 18, changes will include:
Gyms and exercise facilities will be able to reopen with 25 percent capacity. Showers and locker rooms are to remain closed, while customers must wear gloves that cover their whole hand, and equipment must be disinfected after each use. Social distancing will be required as well, and any equipment brought in (such as a yoga mat), must be disinfected before and after use.
Non-essential manufacturing and other offices can reopen if they operate at up to the greater of either FIVE employees or 25 percent of their workforce, provided employees to maintain appropriate social distancing.
Guidelines are still being worked out for bars, and the governor has requested that owners reach out to provide feedback.
The 25 percent capacity for restaurants does not apply to patios, but you still must maintain social distancing.
Weddings, funerals, memorials, and burials may now take place with the same regulations as religious services for seating arrangements, with receptions following the regulations of restaurants.
Rules that apply to public parks also apply to beaches, lakes, and rivers. This means people must maintain SIX FEET of separation and are limited to a household of no more than FIVE in a group.
You can find the Open Texas Checklists for minimum health protocols by going to: https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas
People over the age of 65 are strongly encouraged to stay at home as much as possible; to maintain an appropriate distance from any member of the household who has been out of the residence in the previous 14 days; and, if leaving the home, to implement social distancing and to practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation per CDC recommendations.
All individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings, but no jurisdiction can impose a civil or criminal penalty for failure to wear a face covering. You can find additional information on Granbury’s COVID-19 efforts at: http://www.granbury.org/covid19
