New Braunfels, TX — Following this week’s release of the Report to Open Texas by Governor Greg Abbott, the City of New Braunfels is adopting that plan and revoking all previous City orders issued since the initial disaster declaration.
New Braunfels Mayor Barron Casteel has signed an order that replaces all previous local orders issued since March 19th, 2020. “The City of New Braunfels is following the guidelines set out by Governor Greg Abbott for reopening businesses in our community,” said Mayor Casteel. “The Governor’s order allows us to restore portions of our community while continuing discussions of how future reopenings will be managed to ensure that the health and safety of our residents remains the priority.”
The Governor’s order includes guidelines for specific types of businesses to reopen as of May 1st, including retail businesses, dine-in restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums, libraries, single-person offices, and some outdoor sports activities. The restrictions issued by the Governor include limiting capacity to 25% of building occupancy, maintaining social distancing, and sanitization standards. Landa Park Golf Course operations will resume consistent with the Governor’s order and the park restrooms, tennis courts at Prince Solms Park, and disc golf course will reopen.
Also included in the Governor’s order is a list of specific businesses that are not yet allowed to open. Those include gyms, bars, public swimming pools, bowling alleys, massage establishments, tattoo and piercing studios, barbershops, and salons. Currently, the Governor’s order does not include river outfitters on the list of businesses that are allowed to reopen, which means those businesses in our community will remain closed until approved by the state. The Texas Division of Emergency Management maintains an online list of essential services. Requests for additions should be directed to TDEM at EssentialServices@tdem.texas.gov or by visiting the TDEM website at www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices. Additionally, river parks, the skatepark, and playgrounds at City parks will remain closed.
Mayor Casteel also added, “The City of New Braunfels, Comal County, Guadalupe County, the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, W.O.R.D., river outfitters, restaurant owners, and other business and community partners are all working together to develop plans to reopen our community, while ensuring the health and safety of residents, and complying with the Governor’s order.”
A copy of Mayor Casteel’s order, along with additional information on guidelines and restrictions for residents and businesses, is available on the City’s website at www.nbtexas.org/COVID-19.
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