U.S. state of Texas "stay-at-home" order to expire April 30: governor

Governor of the U.S. state of Texas Greg Abbott said Monday that the state's "stay-at-home" order will be allowed to expire on April 30, meaning more business opening-ups starting May 1.

During a news briefing, Abbott said the executive order will be allowed to expire as scheduled and the state will enter the "first phase" of reopening on May 1.

During the "first phase," retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and shopping malls are allowed to open, but the occupancy rate is capped at 25 percent. Outdoor sports are also allowed as long as they do not involve more than four participants. He also strongly recommended people wear masks in public.

Abbott said phase two will happen around May 18 and more businesses will be allowed to open then.

The governor added COVID-19 in Texas "has been on the decline in the past 17 days."

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, as of Monday, 25,297 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 663 fatalities, have been reported, while 11,170 patients have recovered.