Gov. Abbott orders school, bars, restaurants closed

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott made an executive order that mandates all public schools, bars, gyms and dine-in restaurants in Texas closed until April 3. Gov. Abbott specified that all restaurants could offer only take-out or drive-thru services. The executive order goes into effect Friday at midnight.

    Gov. Abbott also mirrored what the Center for Disease Control recommended in saying Texans should gather in groups of no more than 10 people and they should avoid large crowds.

    Gov. Abbott also added the only people able to visit nursing homes were people providing health care.

    “The order is not a shelter in place order,” Gov. Abbott added, specifying the order does not stop people from going to grocery stores, banks and even parks.

    Gov. Abbott also clarified the declaration may be extended.

    With schools being closed at least through April 3, Gov. Abbott said superintendents should continue to find ways to continue education.