Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered schools closed statewide Thursday until at least until April 3 and a ban on dine-in restaurants and gathering in groups of more than 10 people.

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Abbott's order also will shut down gyms and bars. The business closures take effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, according to the governor's office.

According to KLTV, Gov. Abbott said the COVID-19 situation has changed drastically since he issued his disaster declaration on Friday. At that time, there were only 39 confirmed cases in 10 counties. Now, that number has grown to 140 people in 27 different counties.

As for the extension in school closures, Gov. Abbott says that this doesn't mean that students shouldn't be receiving instruction.

“This does not mean education stops,” Abbott said. “Online or additional options should be used.”

The new ban does not prohibit grocery stores, parks, gas stations or banks.

The governor said it is not an order for Texans to shelter in place and does not restrict domestic travel, though he encouraged people to use drive-thru options at restaurants and other businesses to avoid direct, extended contact with large groups of people.

 

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