Yuliana Quiroz 
RGV – The ‘Open Texas Plan’ is in full effect.
Governor Greg Abbott implemented the ‘Open Texas Plan’ this past Friday May 1 to restart the Texas economy.
Nonessential businesses such as restaurants, malls, movie theaters and other retail stores in texas are cleared open. Governor Abbott limited customer occupancy to just 25-percent.
Phase one will give employees two weeks to practice the ‘Open Texas Plan’.
Here in the valley, Hidalgo County officials are moving forward with Abott’s Phase One stage, while following social distancing measures.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez made a statement on April 27th stating, “The Governor also recognized that there is uncertainty with this action that he’s about to take and has allowed for a mechanism to revert back to some controls should the data begin to show an increase in the rate of infection. I too rely on data and advice from medical professionals to dictate my actions. So with that in mind, I am also considering transitioning some of our local restrictions to voluntary preventive measures.”
The ‘Open Texas Plan’ will allow dine-in service at restaurants.
For rural counties with less than five confirmed cases of coronavirus, restaurants can serve up to 50-percent of their regular capacity.
Only six people will be allowed at a table and parties will be seated at least six feet apart from each other.
Dine-In restaurants are to use disposable menus, condiments served upon request and buffets are restricted.
The Governor and local city officials have allowed movie theaters to operate with some restrictions, but chains found in the valley like Cinemark continue to remain closed.
Churches and places of worship may stay open, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. On May 1, Bishop Daniel Flores of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville announced they are preparing to resume public mass and will release the date soon.
A second phase is expected on May 18, according to Governor Abbott.
UPDATE (May 5 @ 11:44 p.m.): Salons to reopen on May 8 and gyms to reopen on May 18.
Read Governor’s Executive Order here.
Victoria Cantu contributed to this report.
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