Texas reopening - except Amarillo area

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott continued this week to reopen businesses that had closed to slow the spread of novel coronavirus. Phase 2, as he calls it, will allow tattoo parlors, bars and daycare centers to begin reopening.

But the dates vary by each industry. And while the new order applies to the entire state, four Texas Panhandle counties — Deaf Smith, Moore, Potter, and Randall — will be delayed by over one week because of ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s the problem in the Panhandle?

The number of positive cases have skyrocketed in recent weeks.

Amarillo had 1,482 positive cases on May 11. On Monday, state health officials said that number had nearly doubled, to 2,731. Deaths have climbed from 18 to 27.

Closer to eastern New Mexico, the Hereford area went from 59 cases on May 11 to 122 on Monday. The Hereford area has also recorded six coronavirus-related deaths in the past week.

Parmer County, which includes Bovina, Friona and Farwell, is still allowed to reopen under Abbott’s newest plan, but it too has seen multiple new cases — from just four three weeks ago, to 34 through Monday.

Judge Trey Ellis said most of those testing positive in Parmer County are closely associated with each other — family and friends. Most of the patients are not hospitalized and are staying home, but they’re also allowing visitors, spurring the number of positive cases.

Outside the Amarillo area, what is reopening right now?

Some businesses can open immediately. Those include childcare and daycare centers. Massage establishments, tattoo parlors and piercing studios can also reopen, so long as there’s six feet between operating workstations.

What comes next?

On Friday, restaurants statewide can begin operating at 50% capacity, though the cap does not apply to outdoor areas. Bars can open at 25% capacity, as can aquariums, natural caverns, rodeos and equestrian events. Bowling alleys can also reopen, provided there’s six feet between operating lanes. Amateur sporting events can proceed without spectators, but participants have to test negative for COVID-19 before the event, among other requirements. Drive-in concerts are also allowed.

On May 29, outdoor areas of zoos can open at 25% capacity.

On May 31, professional basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, football, and car racing events can resume without any spectators present. Youth camps, including those that keep children overnight, can also reopen. Practice for youth sports programs can resume, but games can’t begin until June 15.

What about schools?

On June 1, public school districts can offer in-person activities, such as summer school, special education evaluations and individualized tutoring. Private schools and institutions of higher education are also allowed to reopen campuses.

On KXAS-TV Monday night, Abbott said in a pre-vaccine world, classrooms still might be able to open with “new safety standards in place.” But if that’s not possible, he added, “We want to be able to open up to be prepared for possible continuation of some distance-learning strategies that were adopted at the end of the school year.”

Do I have to wear a mask?

Texas officials recommend everyone wear a mask, but there is no statewide requirement. Cities and counties cannot penalize anyone for not wearing a face covering.

The Dallas Morning News and The Eastern New Mexico News contributed to this report.