Greg Abbott Updates Texans on Coronavirus Invasion of Lone Star State

Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order in Texas Thursday, March 19, stating four rules Texans must follow to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus. He emphasized this does not include an "in shelter'' provision.

The first rule is that Texans must not meet in groups of more than 10. This does not restrict people from driving to banks or from picking up take out food at restaurants.

The second rule restricts people from eating at bars or restaurants. Visiting gyms or massage parlors is also prohibited.

Abbott did say that drive-thru, pickup or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged. So it appears the Governor is applying a reasonable, common-sense approach to this pandemic.

Rule 3 is people should not enter nursing homes. The first major cluster of Covid 13 cases spread through nursing homes in the state of Washington near Seattle. This rule is clearly aimed at preventing more such cases.

The fourth rule is that schools will be closed temporarily. Children have been found to be silent carriers of the coronavirus. Since they are asymptomatic, they can unknowingly infect adults who might be vulnerable

No date was given as to when schools will re-open.

The highly-infectious Covid virus arrived in Abbott's hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas, this week. Abbott had mentioned in an interview on Wichita Falls NBC affiliate Channel 3 News Tuesday that the virus was already in nearby counties Denton and Tarrant County. He said it was likely anyone driving from Wichita Falls to Dallas or Fort Worth and returning would pick up the virus.

A 65-year old person who traveled by plane to Budapest, Hungary, is the first reported case in Wichita Falls. That person traveled back to Wichita Falls via the Dallas Fort Worth Airport. Upon returning to Wichita Falls, the infected person reported directly to a medical facillity where a positive test for coronavirus resulted. The spouse did not test positive but is also in self-quarantine.

Jesse Watters, of Fox News, criticized students who are flouting the recommendations for stopping coronavirus, by congregating on Florida beaches during spring break. Watters further reprimanded the parents who are funding these spring break junkets during this time of national disaster.

Watters posed the hypothetical question, "Will they follow my advice? No."

Even Dr. Tony Fauci took to the airwaves to urge spring breakers to stop spreading the pandemic. He apppeared on the show Barstool to asked students to quit partying on the beaches of Florida and South Padre.

Greg Gutfeld on The Five blamed students and parents alike. "Yeah, they're going to come back home from spring break and spread it all over. They're stupid and selfish. And their parents have abdicated their roles in financing this."

During his press conference, the governor mentioned there have been 160 coronavirus cases reported in the Lone Star State. At the time of the conference the governor reported there had been three deaths in Texas from the virus.

According to NBCdfw.com, 20 new cases were reported Thursday alone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The NBC TV affiliate also reported a fourth Texas death which occurred after the Governor completed his far-ranging news conference.

A resident of the Texas Masonic Retirement Home in Arlington, Texas, passed away after contacting the virus. This victim had no travel industry.

Governor Abbott visited Arlington yesterday and met with local officials regarding strategies for slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

The governor discussed the ban on people visiting nursing homes. He said no one is now allowed to visit nursing homes unless they are providing critical assistance.

Abbott further declared a Public Health Disaster, closing restaurant dining and schools for five million students. He had previously stated studens wouldn't have to take the STARR tests.

The busy Governor has been in isolation as a preventive measure, but still manages to work 24/7 as he traveled to Arlington and back to Austin in recent days to update the public. Abbott said Thursday, "The State of Texas is at a pivotal moment in our response to COVID-19, and it is imperative that we act now on preemptive measures to slow the spread of this virus. Today's executive orders are precautionary measures that are in line with guidelines from the CDC and they will strengthen Texas' ability to safeguard our communities and respond to COVID-19. As Texans we must continue to work collaboratively to slow the spread of this virus and protect public health."

The executive order goes into effect at midnight Friday through midnight April 3, but it could be extended, Abbott said.

He further explained the executive order does not prohibit people from visiting grocery stores, gas stations, parks and banks, so long as the necessary precautions are taken to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

The executive order does not mandate a sheltering in place provision. All critical infrastructurer will remain operational, domestic travel will remain unrestricted and government business and entities will continue providing essential services.

Abbott also urged employers to only allow essential employees report to the workplace. Working from home is encouraged.

Earlier this week, Gov. Abbott activated the Texas National Guard to help with the state's response to COVID-19.

He reported the first death occurred in Matagorda County for Texas.

Governor Abbott mentioned Thursday he was equipped to deal with disasters. "My own personal disaster taught me a lot about how to deal with disasters."

Abbott was jogging through a Houston neighborhood when a huge oak fell on him, crushing his spine. He would never walk again. Doctors didn't believe he would live. But he's here today saving Texans from the invisible pandemic known as corona virus.

He came back from his own tragedy to pass the bar exam, works as a lawyer and judge before an extraordinary career as Attorney General of Texas and now Governor.