Across the nation, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has done more than threaten our health and safety, it’s threatened our livelihoods. Shortly after COVID-19 was designated a national emergency by President Donald Trump, states across the country took swift action by closing schools and non-essential businesses, encouraging working from home, and issuing strict stay-at-home orders, especially in bigger cities. While these actions aimed to protect the public’s health, they had an unintended result – they hurt the American economy.
America needs to get back to work, that’s what many Americans and politicians are saying, and Texas lawmakers are no exception. As such, Governor Abbott has created a Strike Force, one that will open Texas in a strategic manner that will revitalize various areas, such as employment, education, entertainment, and culture.
“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
Governor’s Checklist for Individuals
You may not fill sick at all, but that doesn’t mean the coronavirus isn’t a serious concern. One can have zero symptoms but they can still have the virus and spread it to others. If they infect another person, even though they only have mild symptoms, the other person can become seriously ill and they can even die from COVID-19. This is especially the case if the other person is 65 or older and has pre-existing health conditions that put them at higher risk.
COVID-19 can be silent but deadly. Because it’s a hidden threat in some cases, it’s still important for Texans to follow safety protocols. The virus is still circulating around the state, so it’s necessary to observe the following practices to protect yourself and others, especially the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Health protocols to be followed by individuals:
- Continue maintaining social distancing – at least 6 feet between you and other individuals who do not live in your household.
- Before you go into any business for any reason, screen yourself for possible COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, chills, shortness of breath, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, feeling feverish, headache, known contact with someone who had a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- Wash or disinfect your hands before you enter a business.
- Wash or disinfect your hands after you interact with employees, other customers, or items inside a business.
- Consider wearing non-medical grade face masks when out of your house.
To learn more, we recommend reading The Governor’s Report to Open Texas.