Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference today addressing the state's response to the new coronavirus pandemic. Abbott explained today that he was issuing a new executive order, known as GA-14, that is more restrictive and supersedes some previous orders issued by the governor's office in recent weeks, in order to "further reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to maximize the number of lives we can save."

The new statewide order, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 2, and runs through April 30, 2020, calls for people to minimize in-person contact with individuals outside of their own household except for providing or obtaining essential services. Gov. Abbott is relying on federal guidelines to define "essential services" for purposes of the new order issued today. In its "Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response," the federal government has previously noted in a March 28, 2020, advisory publication that essential workers would include "Educators supporting public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing other essential functions."

Under Gov. Abbott's latest executive order, school buildings across Texas will remain closed to students, and many staff, until at least May 4, 2020. The order does not change the requirement that school districts, and district educators, continue to provide a "continuity of learning" for their students through distance learning efforts. The relevant language of Gov. Abbott's Executive Order GA-14 on school closure is as follows:

In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance and shall not recommence before May 4, 2020.

For the latest pandemic-related news for educators, we encourage you to visit ATPE's Coronavirus FAQ and Resources page. The frequently updated resource offers expert answers and guidance for Texas educators during this unique time. Also, watch for updates from the ATPE lobbyists here on Teach the Vote and via our Twitter accounts as more regulatory developments occur.