Those planning to dine out at a restaurant this weekend need to be aware of the restrictions still in place under the governor’s latest COVID-19 order to start reopening businesses, which went into effect Friday, May 1, and includes restaurants, retail, malls, and movie theaters. First of all, call ahead. Not all restaurants are reopening. Many have stated they cannot afford to staff their eateries at 25 percent capacity, which is all that is allowed.
“That means if the restaurant has a capacity for 100 people, only 25 can be in the restaurant,” said state Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), who co-hosted a workshop via Zoom on April 30 on “Reopening the Coastal Bend” with state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. “You’ve got to know the guidelines. Not everything will be like it was eight weeks ago.”
Tables will need to be 6 feet apart, no groups larger than six will be permitted, menus must be disposable, condiments must be brought to the table, and buffets can only be accessed by waitstaff, not patrons. Also, touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers must be placed at the entrances.
Joining Hunter and Hinojosa was Adriana Cruz, executive director of the Economic Development and Tourism Division in the Governor’s Office; Sean Strawbridge, Port of Corpus Christi CEO; and Joe McComb, Corpus Christi mayor. State Rep. Abel Herrero was unable to participate but is part of the legislative delegation working to reopen the Coastal Bend, Hunter said. About 180 people tuned into the video conferencing call.
“Tomorrow is a big day,” Hinojosa said at the April 30 meeting, referring to Phase 1 of the Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen Texas businesses. “Businesses can reopen with qualifications and restrictions. This is a work in progress.”
Although libraries and museums also will be allowed to reopen in the first phase, Coastal Bend facilities are waiting until later in the month, many for Phase 2, which begins May 18 — if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to flatline. An increase of cases could mean a delay in reopening. (For a list of when attractions such as the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington are reopening, visit ccbiznews.com/covid-19.)
“This is not a rush-to-the-gate reopening,” said Hunter, adding that Phase 2 would allow businesses to open at 50 percent capacity. “Some people will stay home. Some businesses will decide to remain closed for now.”
Beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast reopen May 1, according to orders from the Texas General Land Office. Hunter urged caution in a return to the beaches, which have seen a lot of traffic in the past week despite social distancing orders. All pools will remain closed, including those in hotels and motels.
“Any pool used by multiple families or users from different households are considered public pools,” Hunter continued. “In Phase 1, pools are not opened yet.”
Child care guidelines are still in flux. Currently, day care centers may remain open, but only for children of parents working in businesses deemed essential. Cruz, who is on the governor’s reopening strike force, said a group of members were working to determine how to coordinate expanding child care capacity along with people going back to work.
“Reopening is not just about businesses opening their doors,” Cruz said. “It’s a compact between customers and businesses to make sure we protect each other. It’s not business as usual; it’s business in a modified way for the time being. We are easing into a reopening of the economy.”
A digital copy of the governor’s handbook to reopen Texas can be found online.

If you think you have the coronavirus, contact the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District at 361-826-7200, and a representative will give you instructions. Check the city’s webpage for more information.

For more tips on how to keep yourself, your workspace, and your home safe, visit the COVID-19 resources webpage at CCBizNews.com/covid-19. You’ll also find information on the latest news, closures, cancellations, and public orders along with informational links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.