One day after pausing additional efforts to reopen Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced another round of restrictions, including closing bars and limiting restaurant occupancy.
The executive order requires Texas bars to close at noon today, although those businesses can still remain open for delivery and take out, including for alcoholic beverages. Restaurant dining rooms can remain open, but the order immediately moves occupancy levels from 75% to 50% with some exceptions.
Rafting and tubing businesses also must close, and outdoor gatherings of 100 or more must be approved by local governments. There are exceptions for professional and collegiate sports, swimming pools, water parks, museums, libraries, zoos and rodeo and equestrian events, which can remain open without approval from local governments but must operate at 50% occupancy.
Texas broke its new case record for the third consecutive day Thursday, with state health officials reporting nearly 6,000 new cases.
Texas also saw 4,738 patients in Texas hospitals, a record for the 14th day in a row.
Abbott’s latest order still allows houses of worship, child care services, local government operations and youth camps to remain open.