Coronavirus: Texas Governor Extends School Closures To May 4

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday extended a disaster declaration that includes ordering schools to remain closed until at least May 4 as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The governor issued his latest order during an afternoon news briefing that was streamed live. He encouraged residents to take part in outdoor activities — such as hiking and fishing — as long as they adhere to physical distancing guidelines.

Health officials have advised people not to congregate in groups larger than 10 while retaining at least 6 feet among themselves in an effort to blunt the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

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To help "flatten the curve" of virus cases, Abbott extended an order mandating social distancing to April 30. In so doing, the governor referenced the upcoming Easter celebration April 12 — the most important Christian commemoration marking the resurrection of Christ from the dead — suggesting churches implement a sort of "drive-in" service to allow congregation members to worship even amid social distancing.

In keeping with his party's conservative base, Abbott deemed church-going as "essential services" — sparking immediate concern from some observers at the prospect of packed houses of worship in contradiction to the tactics of physical distancing promoted by health officials as the most effective way of blunting the spread of illness.

The governor's update came as Texas updated the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 3,266, including 41 deaths.