Texas, city starts reopening stores

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The State of Texas is starting to reopen, starting with parks last Monday (April 27), and continuing with the implementation of Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan Friday (May 1).

At this time, businesses can reopen, but be only at 25 percent of their capacity. These include dine-in for restaurants, retail, malls, movie theaters and other small business. Salons, barbershops and nail salons however are to remain closed at this time.The state stay-at-home order also expired Thursday (April 30).

City of Slaton Mayor Lynn Nowlin said that these rules also impact Slaton. The City has been adhering to what the State recommended as well as orders in Lubbock County.

“Slaton will proceed with the (State) directions,” she said. “Outdoor sports are limited to four people at a time.  City Hall’s lobby will stay closed this week but probably will be opening next week.”

Currently, City Hall is drive through only, and recently reopened to five days a week from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., after briefly cutting down hours and days during the early stages of the outbreak.

Still, the easing of restrictions will have an affect on local business. “For Slaton, this means that the restaurants may reopen their onsite dining while controlling the 25 percent occupancy order and providing all of the sanitizing necessary and practicing social distancing,” she said.

For more information, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.