[Texas] GOV. GREG ABBOTT: Executive order to reopen businesses expected next week.

AUSTIN, Texas — At his third press conference of the week, Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas businesses can expect an executive order from his office next week, with plans on how to begin reopening the state’s economy.

Abbott says he has been in constant contact with President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to discuss how to proceed with beginning the process of allowing businesses to open up again.

“We have a desire to make sure it’s done in a way that it’s safe, understanding that if everyone were to rush the doors and go back into the job market overnight, we would see an outbreak of COVID-19 all over again. That’s exactly why I’m issuing the executive order next week establishing what the statewide standards would be in the coming days about what the approach is. These are standards we’ve been working in conjunction with the White House on,” Abbott said. “We will focus on protecting lives, while restoring livelihoods. We can and we must do this. We can do both.”

This announcement came hours after Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick said on a town hall call with the Texas GOP that he would like to start opening businesses back up by the first week of May.

Abbott says Texas will continue taking cues from the White House.

“We will be learning in more detail in the coming week what the approaches will be by the White House for the United States of America, both with regard to economic revitalization but also doing so in ways that maintain public health and safety,” Abbott said.