Coronavirus: Texas Closes State Parks, Historic Sites

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday ordered all state parks and historic sites to close to promote physical distancing toward slowing the spread of coronavirus.

By virtue of his directive, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commssion immediately moved to close the sites to prevent mass gatherings while promoting social distancing. The closure comes ahead of the Easter weekend, traditionally a time of high activity among families celebrating the Christian holiday.

The COVID-19 virus causing respiratory illness is emitted by coughing or sneezing by infected people. But new evidence shows that even those exhibiting no symptoms, the asymptomatic, potentially can spread the illness as well.

The mass closures of historic sites and state parks was scheduled to being at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, with a re-opening dates at the discretion of the governor, his office said in a press advisory.

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"Social distancing is our best tool to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives," Abbott aid in a preapared statement. "The temporary closure of our state parks and historic sites will help us achieve this goal by preventing the gathering of large groups of people. I urge all Texans to continue to stay at home except for essential services as we respond to COVID-19. By following these social distance practices, we will overcome this challenge together."