AUSTIN, Texas — The reopening of Texas continued on Tuesday when Gov. Greg Abbott allowed more segments of the state's economy to begin under Phase II of the state's plan to safely and strategically open.
Abbott's proclamation will allow water parks, recreational sport programs for adults, driver education programs and food-court dining areas within shopping malls to begin operations with limited occupancy or regulations to protect the health and safety of Texans.
Beginning on Friday, water parks can open but must limit their occupancy to 25% of normal operating limits.
Components of these water parks that have video arcades must remain closed.
Starting on Sunday, recreational sports programs for adults can resume, but games and similar competitions may not begin until June 15. Driver education programs can resume operations immediately.
Abbott's proclamation allows food-court dining areas within shopping malls can also immediately resume operations, but malls are encouraged to designate one or more individuals who are responsible for ensuring health and safety practices are followed.
Among the specific food-court recommendations from Abbott include limiting tables to six individuals; maintaining a six-feet distance between individuals sitting at different tables; cleaning and disinfecting tables between uses and ensuring no condiments or other items are left on tables between customer uses.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife announced that beginning Wednesday, visitors will be able to make camping reservations at parks with arrival dates between June 1 and Sept. 7. This gradual reopening of overnight reservations will be limited to varying degrees at individual parks to align with safe business practices currently followed in Texas.
All guests, including annual pass holders, need to pre-purchase day passes and overnight reservations in advance through the Texas State Parks Reservation System. Reservations can be made online at www.texasstateparks.org [icm-tracking.meltwater.com] or by calling 512-389-8900. Callers should expect longer than normal wait times when trying to make reservations. Visitors are encouraged to use the online system to help reduce the volume of calls to the customer service center.