Southeast Texas restaurants, retail stores, malls begins to reopen on Friday

BEAUMONT, Texas — As some businesses begin to reopen on Friday the state takes its first step to a new normal.

COVID-19 ripped many Texans from their jobs and for some, their businesses but starting at midnight on Friday Governor Greg Abbott's order is set to slowly get the state back up and running.

“Just as we united as one state to slow COVID-19, we must also come together to begin rebuilding the lives and livelihoods of our fellow Texans,” Governor Greg Abbott said earlier this week.

Restaurants, retail stores, movie theaters and malls can begin to reopen with a 25% maximum capacity according to the state’s plans.

In Beaumont those rules for reopening will be enforced by the fire marshal according to Beaumont city councilman Mike Getz

But businesses must manage the number of people inside Getz told 12News.

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RELATED: Parkdale Mall set to reopen Friday

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Restaurants like Republic Chicken are ready to cautiously reopen according to owner, John Swift.

“It's been an unbelievable struggle having a full service restaurant transition to what amounts to fast food. We need your money,” Swift said.

Some restaurants, like Daddios, don't see enough reward amid the risk.

“Our building is very small. That's not really worth us having people in just yet,” said Charlie Jones of Daddio’s.

Parkdale Mall will open with some strict guidelines such as a prohibition on more than ten people in the mall common.

The food court seating area, playgrounds, common area gathering seats, and drinking fountains will still be off limits.

The mall is also asking that employees wear face masks when interacting with customers.

In Port Arthur the reopening may look a little different after Mayor Thurman Bartie asked his residents to remain cautious.

RELATED: Port Arthur mayor urges caution as Texas reopens

“If you don't have to move out or move around, if you don't have to be out in some crowd or large gathering, please don't do that,” Bartie pleaded at a Thursday press conference.

Governor Abbott's order allows these businesses to reopen, but they aren't required to.

If you do plan to go out tomorrow, social distancing guidelines are still in place.

While face masks aren't required, health officials do recommend wearing one when social distancing isn't possible.