BEAUMONT, Texas — The governor is establishing a strike force to find safe and effective ways to slowly re-introduce Texans back to normal life. But Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan includes allowing stores to operate in a "to-go" style with social distancing.
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick says he's pretty much in support of what the governor announced Friday afternoon. Although, he's "cautiously optimistic" moving forward as Southeast Texas has not yet hit the expected peak.
Gov. Abbott issued three executive orders Friday. Here's what they include.
A strike force to help coordinate how quickly the state can re-open as well as all retailers now being able to sell items in a to-go style beginning next Friday.
RELATED: Gov. Abbott creates strike force, eases medical restrictions and more in plan to slowly reopen Texas
"Obviously, not all businesses can open all at once or on May 1st,” Gov. Abbott said. “Some businesses, if fully opened without better distancing standards, would be more likely to set us back rather than to propel us forward."
Gov. Abbott also loosened some of the restrictions on medical staff that had been put in place due to the demands of coronavirus. "Many doctors and nurses have been sidelined because of the need to postpone non-essential medical procedures," Gov. Abbott said.
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick is weary of the CDC's expectations for this pandemic. "We are not, according to the Centers for Disease Control, supposed to reach the apex of deaths per day in Texas until around April 29th," Judge Branick said.
He did reference the governor's mention of more testing. "We would love to do more testing at out county sites. We do have the test kits to do it, but we do not have the Personal Protection Equipment to do it," Judge Branick said.
It's still unclear what retail-to-go will look like, but Judge Branick said he understands the toll COVID-19 is having on local businesses.
"We're going to try and get them open as soon as we possibly can, safely. What that means, I don't have a crystal ball right now to be able to say what that is, but I'm vividly aware of the pain and suffering that is out there," Judge Branick said.
Gov. Abbott added that all state parks will re-open on Monday with some restrictions. His statewide stay-at-home order remains in effect until April 30.
The governor’s plan makes no mention of hair salons. We know many of you want to know. Judge Branick tells 12News he’s going to speak to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Chief Nim Kidd, on Monday about hair salons and dentists reopening.
