Which Amenities Can Reopen? How Governor Abbott’s New Executive Order May Impact Your Property

May 8, 2020

in AAGD Updates, Government Affairs Update, State,

On May 5, Governor Greg Abbott issued a new executive order detailing key portions of his multifaceted plan to reopen the state’s economy. Within the order, information about reopening key facilities was included and may impact your property’s amenities.

Related to apartment amenities, see below for key details on which amenities can reopen this month:

Apartment pools (indoor or outdoor): May open May 8 at up to 25% of normal capacity.
Apartment tanning facilities: May open May 8 but should follow the guidelines in the Open Texas plan and provide for social distancing. This mirrors the guidance given to public tanning salons.
Apartment gyms/fitness centers: May open May 18 provided they operate under 25% capacity and that showers and locker rooms remain closed. Equipment must be disinfected between each use and customers are advised to wear gloves that cover their hands and fingers. This guidance also applies to exercise classes, whether indoors or out, individual or group.
Apartment theater rooms: Can be open as of May 1, but with capacity limited to 25%. This would mirror the standards applied to public movie theaters. Increased capacity (to 50%) is targeted for Phase 2, presuming there has not been significant spread of the virus.
Apartment sport courts, tennis courts: Can be open as of May 1, but with restrictions to limit the number of players on the court to 4 or fewer at a time. This also mirrors the restrictions in the Phase 1 plan for allowing some types of sports.
Apartment business centers: Can be open as of May 1, but with restrictions on any shared equipment. This would mirror restrictions in the Phase 1 plan on libraries and museums keeping hands-on areas closed.

Guidance related to pools, spas, and other aquatic features that we received from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The guidance, which is available online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/aquatic-venues.html, was developed by the CDC and the Council for Model Aquatic Health Code.

In counties with five or fewer COVID-19 cases, occupancy limits are at 50% of capacity.

Individuals over 65 are strongly encouraged to remain at home as much as possible, physical distancing and limited in-person interactions are still encouraged and wearing a mask in public is strongly recommended, though not required.

The order is simply guidance; not a requirement to reopen. Use your discretion to reopen your property’s amenities and consult your legal counsel for specific guidance on your property.

Learn more about the guidance and read the order by clicking here.

AAGD urges owners to strongly consider the health and safety priorities of their residents and team members when making decisions about opening amenity areas and pools.