AUSTIN, Texas — Some bars in Texas will soon be back in business. 

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday some bars can start opening at 50 percent capacity, as long as a county judge approves it. This applies to counties where where COVID-19 hospitalizations are less than 15 percent of hospital capacity.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Greg Abbott allowing areas with low COVID-19 hospitalizations to reopen bars October 14

  • Those bars can open to 50% capacity, must follow distancing and seating protocols

  • Other business in low COVID-19 regions can expand capacity to 75% starting October 12

Additionally, businesses like amusement parks, movie theaters, zoos, aquariums, and bowling alleys can expand to 75 percent capacity in counties with low COVID-19 hospitalizations ‪beginning October 12.

“Today the seven day average for the positivity rate, for the number of new cases, for hospitalization, for fatalities have remained steady since I made my last announcement, “ Abbott said. “So it’s time to open up more provided safe protocols continue to be followed.” 

Abbott said the state is prepared for these additional openings, but it’s up to Texans to remain vigilant and show personal responsibility to protect themselves and others.

Bars must follow distance and seating protocols similar to restaurant protocols.

Texas this week surpassed 16,000 virus deaths and is closing in on 800,000 confirmed cases. Last month, Abbott began relaxing some coronavirus restrictions for the first time since a massive summer outbreak hammered Texas.

Although caseloads have dramatically dropped since August, hospitalizations in Texas have remained flat at roughly 3,200 patients for two weeks. 

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The Associated Press Contributed to this report.