Abbott reopens water parks, food courts, adult rec sports

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took another step Tuesday in his phased reopening of statewide activities after the coronavirus lockdown.

The Republican governor issued a proclamation that allows the reopening of water parks and shopping mall food courts and the resumption of adult recreational sports and driver’s education programs.

Effective Friday, water parks may open but limit occupancy to 25% of their capacity and keep any video arcades closed, the proclamation states. The adult recreation sports may resume Sunday, but games and similar competitions must wait until June 15. Continued social distancing is urged for food courts.

The total of confirmed cases reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, rose by a slower rate than last week’s pace — by 589 cases Tuesday to 56,561. Nine COVID-19 fatalities reported Tuesday brought the death toll to 1,536.

The true numbers are likely higher, however, because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The Associated Press