Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas
Governor Abbott Lifts Mask Mandate, Opens Texas 100 Percent
Governor Greg Abbott has issued an Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent.
This executive order rescinds most of the Governor's earlier Executive Orders related to COVID-19. Effective Wednesday, March 10, 2021, all businesses of any type may open to 100% capacity. Additionally, this order ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas. Businesses may still limit capacity or implement additional safety protocols at their own discretion.
If COVID-19 hospitalizations in any of the 22 hospital regions in Texas get above 15% of the hospital bed capacity in that region for seven straight days, a County Judge in that region may use COVID-19 mitigation strategies. However, County Judges may not impose criminal penalties for not following COVID-19 orders nor may penalties be imposed for failing to wear a face mask. If restrictions are imposed at a County level, those restrictions may not include reducing capacity to less than 50% for any type of entity.
Under the direction of Governor Abbott, with the advice of the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Texas Comptroller:
The Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas will safely and strategically restart and revitalize all aspects of the Lone Star State—work, school, entertainment, and culture.
Business Resources
- DSHS Printable Sign: Best Health Practices To Avoid COVID-19
- DSHS Printable Sign: How To Wash Your Hands
- OSHA: Guidance on Returning to Work
- SBA: Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Open Texas Checklists
Updated October 13, 2020
May operate up to 75% capacity, effective October 14, 2020
(See Executive Order 32 for qualifying counties)
- All Employers and Event Organizers
- Amusement Park Operators
- Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcasting, Skating Rinks
- Driving Schools
- Fine Arts Performance Halls
- Gyms / Exercise Facilities
- Manufacturers
- Media Production
- Movie Theaters
- Museums and Libraries
- Office-Based Employers
- Parks / Beaches / Bodies of Water
- Restaurants
- Retailers
- Video Game Facilities
- Waterpark Operators
- Wedding Reception Venues
- Wedding Venues
- Youth Clubs
- Zoos, Aquariums, Natural Caverns
Updated October 7, 2020
May operate up to 50% capacity, effective October 14, 2020
(See Executive Order 32 for qualifying counties)
Updated September 17, 2020
Protocol revisions related to food service, no changes to operating capacity, effective September 17, 2020
As Posted July 3, 2020
- All Individuals
- Adult Recreational Sports Operators
- Adult Recreation Sport Participants
- Amusement Park Visitors
- Barber Shops
- Barber Shop Customers
- Bowling, Bingo, Simulcasting, Skating Customers
- Child Care Centers
- Child Care Families
- Cosmetology / Hair Salons
- Cosmetology / Hair Salon Customers
- Day Youth Camp Operators
- Day Youth Camp Families
- Fine Arts Performance Hall Patrons
- Gym / Exercise Facility Patrons
- Massage and Personal-Care, Beauty Services
- Massage and Personal-Care, Beauty Service Customers
- Movie Theater Customers
- Museum and Library Visitors
- Nail Salons
- Nail Salon Customers
- Office-Based Employees
- Outdoor Events
- Outdoor Sports Participants
- Overnight Youth Camp Operators
- Overnight Youth Camp Families
- Professional Sports Leagues
- Restaurant Customers
- Retail Customers
- Tanning Salons
- Tanning Salon Customers
- Valet Parking
- Waterpark Visitors
- Wedding Attendees
- Wedding Reception Attendees
- Youth Club Participants
- Youth Sports Operators
- Youth Sports Families
- Zoo, Aquarium, Natural Cavern Visitors
As Previously Posted
- Special Guidance for Texans Over 65
- Low-COVID-19 Counties
- Churches and Places of Worship
- Church / Worship Attendees
From the Texas Education Agency
The Governor’s Report to Open Texas
“As we open Texas, we are each called upon to be Texans: to act responsibly as we re-engage in the economy, to continue following all health precautions and sanitizing guidelines, and to care for our vulnerable neighbors. Lives depend on our actions. I know you will respond as Texans.” – Governor Greg Abbott
View the April 27, 2020 Report
NOTE: The checklists in this report are no longer current. See the NEW checklists above.
About the Strike Force
Strike Force Working Groups
Economic Revitalization
- Workforce, Economic Development and International Trade
- Infrastructure
- Energy
- Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Health Care
- Chief Medical Advisors
- Health Care Systems
- Emergency Management and Supply Chain
Education
- PreK-12 Schools
- Higher Education