HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday a pause in the state's reopening plans due "to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations."
The same day, Texas reported it was just shy of 6,000 new COVID-19 cases, the third straight day for a new single-day record.
As part of the state's temporary reopening pause, businesses can continue to operate at current levels but should observe the health recommendations, protocols and requirements set by health officials, the governor said.
"The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses," he stated in a release. "This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business."
The governor began reopening the state with a series of orders that started in late April and continued into early June. The last phase to go into effect was Phase 3.
While we wait to move on to Phase 4, Abbott on Thursday continued to call on residents to do their parts in stopping the spread.
"I ask all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others," said Abbott in the release. "The more that we all follow these guidelines, the safer our state will be and the more we can open up Texas for business.”
RELATED: Gov. Abbott issues order that suspends elective surgeries in Harris, Bexar, Dallas, Travis counties
Earlier Thursday, Abbott announced he was pausing elective surgeries in four of the state's largest counties: Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis.
(WFAA contributed to this story.)
Read the governor's full statement issued Thursday morning
Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Pause Of Additional Reopening Phases
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that are permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
“As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,” said Governor Abbott. “The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. I ask all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others. The more that we all follow these guidelines, the safer our state will be and the more we can open up Texas for business.”