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Texas Governor Gregg Abbott announced Phase I of reopening Texas starting Friday, May 1, 2020.

An executive order declaring a public health emergency in the state was set to expire on April 30, 2020.

“I will let it expire as scheduled. It’s done it’s course,” Abbott said as he announced Phase I of reopening Texas starting Friday.

He used China, Singapore and Hong Kong as examples of why Texas needed to reopen slowly and not all at once.

China is reporting new outbreaks and Singapore is experiencing a second wave of COVID-19.

On Friday, all retail stores, restaurants, and movie theaters will be able to reopen while maintaining 25% occupancy.

“Museums and libraries will be able to reopen under the same 25% occupancy,” Abbott said. “Hands on exhibits will not be be able to open yet.”

At this time, hair salons, gyms, and bars will not be able to open at this time. Those establishments are scheduled for Phase II which is planned for mid May.

Orange County Judge John Gothia issued an amendment before the governor’s press conference stating Orange County would follow the state’s orders.

It reads:

Therefore, based upon the guidance of Governor Abbott’s orders; this order supersedes all of my previous Emergency Orders and Addenda and they are amended to provide:

1. All current orders of the Governor shall control the conduct of the citizens of Orange County and a copy of all orders of the Governor are included (reference link below) and incorporated herein fully for guidance; and

2. All persons who test positive for the coronavirus are ordered to follow the directives of the Local Health Authority regarding self-isolation; and

3. The penalty for violating any portion of these Emergency Orders shall be punishable by a fine that does not exceed $1,000.00.

Orange County’s order shall took effect at 1 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2020, and shall remain in effect until amended or terminated.