Plano mayor says Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan ‘shows prudence,’ but he asks residents to be vigilant

PLANO, TX – Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said Gov. Greg Abbott’s order gradually reopening businesses “shows prudence coupled with a cautious approach.”

Abbott on Monday said Texas malls, stores, movie theaters and restaurants may open with 25% occupancy Friday, the day after his statewide stay-at-home order on coronavirus expires.

Barber shops, hair salons, gyms, massage establishments, tattoo parlors, video arcades and bowling alleys must wait until at least mid-May to reopen, Abbott said.

After the announcement, Plano’s mayor encouraged residents to exercise caution.

“The fact that the second phase will be evaluated in mid-May shows prudence coupled with a cautious approach,” he said in an email. “Plano citizens should recognize the order allows but does not require businesses to open. We will continue to ask our citizens to be vigilant in maintaining strict social distancing and staying at home as much as possible, so we can continue to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.”

Kelle Marsalis, president and CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, also sounded a positive note about the plan, provided people closely follow all safety recommendations.

“A strategic and phased reopening allows the businesses identified in Phase I the opportunity to begin the process of creating new, safe modes of operating,” she said in an email. “We will look to and learn from the essential businesses that remained open, as well as those now beginning the process, for standards that others can follow to keep our community safe.

“Personal responsibility and adherence to social distancing guidelines is a critical component to the success of this plan and I believe that the Plano community will continue to prioritize the health and safety of their families and neighbors as we each decide how and when to venture out of our homes.”

Several Plano restaurants plan to reopen, but others will stay shuttered, including Legacy Hall and The Keeper, Randy Dewitt, CEO of Front Burner restaurants, told The Dallas Morning News.

The group’s other Plano restaurants — Mexican Sugar, Whiskey Cake, Haywire and Sixty Vines — will reopen Friday night on a reservation-only basis to prevent groups from gathering in the lobbies, Dewitt said. Ida Claire in Addison and The Ranch at Las Colinas will also reopen.

The co-owner of In-Fretta restaurants in Plano and Irving said he is not reopening but is planning an event Friday to give away 5,000 meals and 5,000 protective face masks.