Texas schools to be closed until May 4, Gov. Abbott tells Texans to stay home unless performing an essential duty

Austin, Texas -- As entities across the nation wrestle with determining the most effective strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference Tuesday, March 31, 2020, where he expanded the existing executive order by instructing Texans to stay home unless performing an essential duty. This order is effective midnight April 1 through April 30, 2020. Governor Abbott also stated that Texas schools would remain closed until Monday, May 4, 2020.

"We've come too far to falter now," Gov. Abbott remarked.

Texans are permitted to travel to and from jobs that are deemed essential and Gov. Abbott pointed out that the essential-activities protocol also included going to the bank, grocery store, or hardware store, plus outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.

CISA Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Sectors:
1. HEALTHCARE / PUBLIC HEALTH
3. LAW ENFORCEMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS
5. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
7. ENERGY
1. WATER AND WASTEWATER
3. TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS
5. PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT SERVICES
7. COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
9. OTHER COMMUNITY- OR GOVERNMENT-BASED OPERATIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
11. CRITICAL MANUFACTURING
13. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
15. FINANCIAL SERVICES
17. CHEMICAL
19. DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE
21. COMMERCIAL FACILITIES
23. RESIDENTIAL/SHELTER FACILITIES AND SERVICES
25. HYGIENE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.
Other services as approved by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

CISA Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Sectors:

Religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.

Other services as approved by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.