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Good news for lottery players: the state of Texas' 16 claim centers will officially reopen in June after closing in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Texas Lottery Commission closed all their claim centers on March 20th, 2020, leaving winners to rely on snail mail for prizes up to $5 million. They will reopen on June 1st, 2020, albeit with new safety precautions to protect staff and winners alike.

According to the Texas Lottery Commission, anyone with claims must make an appointment ahead of time. Additionally, the commission said it will follow the state's cleaning and safety guidelines.

"We want to thank our players for their patience during these uncertain times, and we are appreciative of the number of players that claimed prizes via mail or delayed visiting a claim center to keep themselves, fellow players and our employees healthy and safe," said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery, in a press release. "We will continue to monitor the developments of the coronavirus situation day-by-day, while working with state officials, as we determine next steps in our claim center reopening process. The health and safety of our employees and all individuals we interact with remains our highest priority.”

The changes will be in effect "for an undetermined period of time and until further notice," the commission said. Winners may continue to use snail mail if they see fit.

Based on Texas governor Greg Abbott's reopening plan, restaurants and other retailers were allowed to reopen on May 1st, provided they follow specific occupancy and safety guidelines. Movie theaters, likewise, were given the go-ahead to reopen. However, only one theater in Lubbock, Stars and Stripes Drive-in, did so. Most of the bigger theater chains have decided to keep their doors closed for the time being, including Lubbock's Alamo Drafthouse, Premiere Cinemas and Cinemark.

On May 8th, hair salons, barber shops, and nail salons were allowed to reopen their doors. And on May 18th, gyms and exercise facilities in the state can allow guests again, albeit with a 25 percent occupancy limit.

READ MORE: Inspiring Stories From the Coronavirus Pandemic

 

 

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