New Guidance for Reopening Offices in Texas May 18

On May 5, Governor Abbott announced new guidance for the reopening of office-based employers in Texas. The governor’s prior report was silent on office reopening and most businesses assumed offices could reopen as of May 1. The governor has now clarified that offices should generally stay closed and may reopen May 18 with the greater of either: (i) 5 people, or (ii) 25% occupancy so long as social distancing can be achieved. Certain Minimum Health Standards, which include things like training employees on hygiene, screening employees for COVID-19, limiting elevator use to four people at a time with masks and enhanced sanitation measures must be followed. The full list of Minimum Health Standards for offices reopening can be found here.

The governor also issued guidance for office-based employees. The Minimum Health Standards for office-based employees re-iterates much of the same guidance for office-based employers and includes social distancing and hygiene requirements. The standards also recommend employee use of face coverings upon entering and exiting the office and while in common areas. The full Minimum Health Standards for office-based employees can be found here.

If you have questions or would like to discuss further, please contact our Labor, Employment and Benefits team.