Abbott waives regulations to support pharmacy operations amid COVID-19 outbreak

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott has announced he is temporarily suspending regulations to ensure Texans will have continued access to their pharmacists as the state responds to COVID-19.

These actions will allow pharmacists to conduct consultations by phone and remove regulatory barriers so pharmacies can operate at full strength, says the Governor's office.

"As Texas responds to the COVID-19 challenge, we are doing all we can to minimize disruptions to daily life and continue the essential services, that Texans need," said Abbott. "Pharmacists are vital, and suspending these regulations will allow them to focus on serving their patients."

Texas declares public health disaster, closes restaurant dining rooms and schools

The orders take effect at midnight and will go through midnight on April 3.

On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a public health disaster, the first in Texas since 1901. The executive orders, which take effect at midnight Friday, March 20 and go through midnight on Friday, April 3, will bring the state in line with CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The public health disaster orders schools to be closed statewide until at least April 3. The disaster also orders a ban on dine-in eating and gathering in groups of more than 10 as the state ramps up efforts to battle the coronavirus. Abbott's order also will shut down gyms and bars. It also bans visits to nursing and retirement homes unless there is a critical need.

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