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Back to business: Timeline of how Texas plans to gradually reopen

Here's a breakdown of when and how businesses in Texas can reopen.

AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on March 31 requiring Texans to remain in their homes, unless for an essential activity. On April 30, that executive order was allowed to expire.

On April 17, Abbott announced his plan for reopening Texas businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, issuing three executive orders outlining how the state would begin to reopen. That day, Abbott also said Texas schools would remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

On May 18, Abbott said Texas was ready to enter "phase two" of reopening.

RELATED: Coronavirus in Texas: Gov. Abbott says Texas is ready to enter phase two of reopening state

Here's a breakdown of which Texas businesses have reopened so far and which will be opening next:

April 20

Texas state parks reopened with visitors still required to stay six feet apart. Many are now operating with reservations in place to limit the number of guests.

April 22

Restrictions on elective surgeries were loosened and standards were increased for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

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April 24

All stores in Texas able to operate "retail-to-go."

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April 27

Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton issued updated joint guidance on religious services.

May 1

Texas restaurants, retail stores, malls, movie theaters and museums allowed to reopen at 25% capacity.

Most museums allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. Libraries allowed to reopen at 25% capacity without reopening interactive features.

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Restaurants prepare to reopen dining rooms May 1

Retail stores, movie theaters, restaurants and malls able to reopen May 1, Gov. Abbott says

May 8 

Salons, barbershops, nail salons and tanning salons may reopen. These businesses must operate with one customer per stylist. If customers are waiting inside, they must stay six feet apart; otherwise, customers should wait outside. Stations must be six feet apart and the governor recommends that customers and stylists wear face masks.

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Checklist: Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and cosmetology salons can reopen May 8 with these guidelines

Texas barbershops, salons may reopen May 8; gyms reopen May 18, Gov. Abbott says

May 18

Gyms and other exercise facilities may reopen, as long as they meet the 25% capacity requirement. Showers and locker rooms must remain closed and equipment must be disinfected. Gym customers should wear gloves that cover the entire hand and fingers. Customers at gyms also must be six feet apart.

RELATED: Gyms reopen on Monday, but will look a little different

Non-essential manufacturers may also reopen at 25% capacity, as can businesses located in office buildings with some restrictions. Also allowed to reopen: massage services, electrolysis, waxing, tattoo studios and hair loss treatment and growth services.

Child care facilities may also reopen with certain standards, and youth clubs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and FFA may hold meetings with social distancing practices in place.

RELATED: Checklist: Child care centers, summer camp, youth sports programs may open under these guidelines

Additionally, as of May 18, camping in Texas state parks may also resume, with social distancing practices still in effect.

May 22

Bars, wine tasting rooms and breweries will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. Restaurants will be able to reopen at 50% capacity instead of 25%.

Bowling alleys, bingo halls, skating rinks, aquariums and a few other businesses will also be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity and with restrictions. 

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Checklist: How Texas bars will operate when they can reopen May 22

Checklist: Bowling alleys, bingo halls, skating rinks can reopen May 22 with these guidelines

May 29

Zoos may reopen with restrictions.

May 31

Youth sports camps, summer camps, daytime and overnight camps may reopen.

Some professional sports may return, including golf, auto racing, baseball, softball, tennis and basketball. Spectators will not be allowed to be physically present at sporting events.

RELATED: Pro sports can soon return to Texas...but without the fans

June 1

Schools will be able to offer summer school programs as long as they follow social distancing practices as soon as June 1.

Austin ISD told KVUE that as of May 18, all summer learning opportunities will be online. Leander ISD and Hays CISD also said all summer school will be entirely online. Round Rock ISD said they have planned for no in-person summer school, though their leadership team hasn't convened to discuss Abbott's May 18 briefing.

WATCH: Coronavirus in Texas: Gov. Abbott gives update on reopening state 

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