Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that he is putting a pause on lifting pandemic-related lockdowns as cases of COVID-19 reach near-record levels in the state.
According to a press release, businesses that have already re-opened under previous mandates can continue to operate "under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services." However, the state will not proceed with further reopenings for the time being.
“The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses," Abbott said. "This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business."
Abbott also encouraged Texans to wear a mask and practice proper social distancing in his statement.
