This week, a North Texas mayor started the process of reopening his city after a month of shelter-in-place.

Colleyville Mayor Richard Newton signed a proclamation Monday declaring in-person worship is no longer prohibited, elective medical surgeries can resume, gatherings of up to 10 people will no longer be limited to family, and businesses can start slowly reopening.

The city provided guidelines clearly spelling out the degree to which businesses may now operate.

Retail not deemed essential may now allow pick-up, delivery by mail or to a customer’s door, and in-store visits as long as they comply with social distancing guidelines.

Services like salons and massage parlors may operate by appointment only, with one customer at a time. Personal fitness trainers can serve one person or family at a time by appointment, and instructor-led fitness classes can be held for up to 10 people, provided social distancing is practiced. Gyms and fitness studios can’t be open without an appointment.

Restaurants may now allow people to eat outside in patio seating, so long as social distancing is practiced between tables.

Questions erupted as to whether or not Colleyville’s actions were in defiance of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s statewide orders, but that was quickly put to rest by Abbott himself.

“From everything I could tell, [Newton showed] deference to the state’s order,” Abbott said at a press conference today.

Robert Montoya

Born in Houston, Robert Montoya is an investigative reporter for Texas Scorecard. He believes transparency is the obligation of government.

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