May 18 target date for gyms
In a press conference held this afternoon, Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott announced that hair and nail salons and barbershops will be allowed to open Friday. Gyms will be able to open May 18 with limited capacity.
After Abbott's declaration last week that announced the re-opening of retail and restaurant establishments, Hopkins County fitness and cosmetology proprietors spoke about what they interpreted as inconsistent messaging from state government and licensing boards.
Hopkins County officials announced that salons and gyms could open, along with other businesses of fewer than 10 employees, following an investigation to clarify certain language in the governor's declaration.
According to Pct. 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, Hopkins County cosmetology salons and fitness training establishments more closely resemble subsection g of the executive order, "services of an individual working alone in an office," as many employed in rural areas are "sole proprietors," and salons or fitness classes do not have high occupancy rates, he said.
Following that decision, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a statement, reading, “[Gov. Greg] Abbott said his order ‘supersedes all local orders’ saying those businesses must remain closed." The TDLR release further stated that hair salons and gyms cannot expect, per the state, to open up earlier than mid-May. This includes “whether a salon is a sole proprietorship or not,” the release stated.
Hair stylists and barbers, however, argued that they are trained and already use sanitation techniques in the course of their day-to-day business.
Tuesday afternoon's press conference comes in the wake of the confusion of Abbott's original message and was intended to clarify and specify the re-opening of the Texas economy in recovery of COVID-19 pandemic.
Gyms will be able to operate at 25% capacity, Abbott said, adding that all equipment must be cleaned between uses and anyone using the equipment will be required to wear gloves. Lockers and shower rooms will remain closed.
—News-Telegram reporter Taylor Nye contributed to this report.