A county judge in Texas has given the green light for the state’s businesses to reopen on Friday despite the governor’s plan to gradually ease coronavirus restrictions.

Governor Greg Abbott on Monday issued an order that called for the reopening of retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls on Friday under the condition that they maintain 25 percent of their approved customer occupancy. He said state leaders would convene in mid-May to determine when other businesses — such as salons, barber shops and fitness centers — could begin the reopening process.

However, in a Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said he interprets the order as saying residents should “use their discretion” when visiting businesses beginning May 1st, instead of ordering companies to remain closed. “I’m authorizing those individual business here in Montgomery County that fit into this category Friday to open up,” Keough said. Abbott has not yet commented on Keough’s ruling.

Source: https://abc13.com/6136225/