Governor says schools will remain closed until May 4

Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference Tuesday afternoon in conjunction with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Education Commissioner Mike Morath, and state health officials. Through an executive order he extended social distancing guidelines through April 30 to slow the spread of COVID-19. The governor was clear that he is not using the terminology “stay at home” because there are essential services and activities that are permitted. (Essential services can be found here.)

Schools will remain closed until May 4. The executive order specifies: “In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance and shall not recommence before May 4, 2020.” The order also notes that “…all services should be provided through remote telework from home unless they are essential services that cannot be provided through remote telework.”

School district and charter school educators and staff supporting distance learning and student food service programs are considered employees performing essential services under this order. Click here for more.

Read Abbott's complete executive order