Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Phase One of the plan to Open Texas will begin on Friday, May 1. Phase One will permit all restaurants, retail stores, movie theaters and malls to open to up to a maximum of 25% occupancy. In addition, museums and libraries will be allowed to reopen and churches will be able to increase their capacity. Single-person offices may reopen as well. The Governor’s Stay at Home Order will expire on Thursday, April 30 and will not be extended.
Governor Abbott stressed that social distancing practices must be followed so that the spread of COVID-19 slows and that other sectors of the economy can reopen in the near future. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is issuing minimum standard health protocols for all businesses and individuals to follow for Phase One.
The Governor’s Executive Order will also prohibit any local executive orders that require residents to wear face coverings from imposing any fine or punishment. This makes Harris County’s order unenforceable.
*Please note, the Open Texas website is experiencing heavy traffic, and these links may not work right away. If you cannot open them, please try again later.
REAPPLYING FOR SMALL BUSINESS EIDL LOANS UNDER THE CARES ACT
The new $484 billion aid package approved by Congress includes $60 billion to renew funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program and adds $320 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Those who were caught in the middle of the loan application process when funding ran dry need to know the following: Read more
On April 28 at 10 a.m., the association will host a live webinar with NAHB's Chief Economist Rob Dietz. He will share a national overview of COVID-19's impact on the residential construction industry.
Bring your questions for this can't-miss session! Q&A session to follow. Register
SAVE THE DATE!
May 5 at 1:30 p.m. Dr. James Gaines, Chief Economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, will discuss COVID-19’s impact on the local residential construction industry in the short-term and long-term.
