Do You Work for an Essential Business? Find Out Here

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Coronavirus pandemic has every business in Texas hanging on by a thread. Many businesses are being forced to close by the government unless they are an "essential business" but what is that? 

As previously reported on March 31, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Executive Order GA-14, ordering that people and businesses should follow CDC and Presidential guidelines by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, implementing social distancing, and working from home if possible.

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Effective April 2, 2020, only essential services are allowed. Only people providing essential services are permitted to be out in public working. This new order prohibits services from being provided by persons licensed under Chapter 401, Sections 501-522, Health and Safety Code (Laser Hair Removal) and Chapters 455 (Massage Therapists), 1601 (Barbers), 1602 (Cosmetologists), and 1603 (Barbering and Cosmetology), Occupations Code.

Additional facilities are closed. Governor Abbott had previously closed massage establishments on March 20. Under the new order, barber and cosmetology shops regulated under Chs. 1601, 1602, and 1603, Occupations Code, and laser hair removal facilities regulated under Chapter 401, Sections 501-522, Health and Safety Code must close by 12:01 a.m. April 2, 2020. The order is in effect until April 30, 2020 and supersedes any city or county orders.

The following is what the TDLR considers an "Essential Business." 

• Healthcare or Public Heath
• Law Enforcement Public Safety and First Responders
• Food ad Agriculture
• Energy
• Water and Wastewater
• Transportation and Logistics
• Public Works and Infrastructure Support Services
• Communications and Information Technology
• Other Community or Government Based Operations and Essential Functions
• Critical Manufacturing
• Hazardous Materials
• Financial Services
• Chemical 
• Defense Industrial Base
• Commercial Facilities
• Residential or Shelter Facilities and Services.
• Hygiene Products and Services
• Religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.
• Other services as approved by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.