County Live Safe/Work Safe order not ratified as governor executes plan to reopen businesses

Friday afternoon Wichita County Judge Woody Gossum executed a Live Safe/ Work Safe Executive Order that went into effect Saturday which allowed most businesses including barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, and gyms to reopen and required face mask be worn by all customers and employees of businesses.

However, owners of salons and barber shops learned they would risk losing their license if they opened because it would violate Governor Abbot’s executive order and a county or city order cannot supersede a state order.

The county order was not ratified by County Commissioners during a meeting Monday afternoon

Wichita County is now following Abbot’s executive order . The one in place now is set to expire today and his latest order Open Texas phase one takes effect Friday.

The order allows some “non-essential” businesses to reopen May 1. All non-essential businesses that the order allows to open must keep occupants at 25 percent or less of their total listed occupancy of the business.

Abbott pointed out during his press conference Monday that just because the order allows a business to open doesn’t mean the business has to open.

Hair salons, nail salons, barber shops, and gyms are not allowed to open at this time. Abbott said those businesses may be allowed to open in mid May.

In regards to wearing a face cover Abbott said, “face covers are highly encouraged, but not required. There will be no fines issued for not wearing a face cover.”

He also emphasized city nor county orders would supersede the state’s order.

All retail stores will also be permitted to reopen Friday, but must limit their capacity to 25 percent of their listed occupancy.

Restaurants are also among the businesses that can open their dining rooms Friday. But, there are several guidelines they must adhere to including, but not limited to, the 25 percent requirement, maintain social distancing of at least six feet distance apart from other parties and no more than six people per table.

Movie theaters, libraries, and museums can also open but must following a number of guidelines spelled out in the order. Malls can also open, but the food-court dining areas, play areas, and interactive displays must remain closed. Outdoor sports are allowed to resume so long as there are no more than four participants playing together at one time.

During the press conference Abbott stressed the importance of protecting seniors age 65 and older.

He said if COVID-19 positive cases and hospitalization of COVID-19 patients over the next 14 days will determine if more businesses will be allowed to open May 18, if we will stay in phase one or go back to where we are now.

He also unveiled a “Testing Texas” plan that will increase testing and contact tracing.

The City of Wichita Falls is also following the governor’s order.

The complete order can be found on the State of Texas website.