More businesses are allowed to open up today, as Gov. Greg Abbott starts phase two of his plan to re-open Texas.
Gyms can re-open today, but some owners are at odds with how that should happen. And other establishments, like bars and massage therapy practices, are urging the governor to let them open up as well.
Abbott will address the state at 2 p.m. about how other businesses will be allowed to reopen.
Top updates for Monday, May 18:
- President Donald Trump said Monday that he is taking the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to lessen symptoms should he get the new coronavirus, even though the drug is unproven for fighting COVID-19.
Trump told reporters he has been taking the drug, hydroxychloroquine, and a zinc supplement daily “for about a week and a half now.”
- Moderna says study volunteers given a low or medium dose of the vaccine wound up with antibodies similar to those in people who have recovered from COVID-19.
- Uber has cut 3,000 jobs from its workforce, its second major wave of layoffs in two weeks as the coronavirus slashed demand for rides.
- Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told "60 Minutes" that once the outbreak has been contained, the economy should be able to rebound "substantially."
For a daily roundup of the biggest coronavirus news from around North Texas, sign up for the WFAA COVID-19 email newsletter.
Texas daycare facilities can reopen, bars can open at limited capacity Friday, says Gov. Greg Abbott
Texas daycares and personal care businesses can reopen Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced.
Bars can reopen at limited occupancy on Friday. Summer camps and summer school can reopen at the end of the month.
The governor announced the second phase of business reopening in his plan to boost the Texas economy after closures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Watch the governor's announcement in full here:
Dallas County reports 224 new cases of COVID-19 and 1 death
Dallas County health officials Monday confirmed 224 new cases of the novel coronavirus and one death due to the disease, bringing the county's known case total to 7,679 and 177 deaths since the county began tracking the virus in March.
Tarrant County reports 112 new cases
Tarrant County also reported 112 new cases of the disease Monday, bringing the county's known case total to 4,447 since the county began tracking the virus in March.
Health experts recommend taking the following actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Practice "social distancing" and stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid large public gatherings
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the U.S.
More on WFAA:
- JC Penney to close more than 240 stores as part of bankruptcy plan
- Moderna: Early COVID-19 vaccine results are encouraging
- How to get swab or antibody coronavirus test in Dallas-Fort Worth
- WHO bows to calls from countries for independent virus probe
- Family tradition: These nurses belong to three generations of helping people