U.S. Texas governor announces statewide school, restaurant shutdown

U.S. state of Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday announced the shutdown of schools, restaurants, gyms and bars statewide to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The order will be in effect until April 3, with an extension pending. The mandate came as part of a public health disaster, the state's first one since 1901 during the era of smallpox, Abbott said.

During a televised statement, Abbott made the announcement to limit social gatherings to fewer than 10 people and restrict people from visiting nursing homes and retirement centers unless they are providing "critical assistance."

While dining-in at restaurants and bars will not be allowed, Abbott encouraged Texans to continue ordering food from local eateries for pick up or delivery.

In terms of schools, campuses are closed but classes will go on online, said Abbott. He also emphasized the order does not prohibit people from going to the grocery store, gas stations, banks or parks. Offices and workplaces can remain open, but employees should be allowed to work from home if feasible, he added.