- Small businesses open ranking: No. 27
- Time outside home ranking: No. 50
- Consumer spending ranking: No. 31
- COVID-19 cases ranking: No. 47
Texas doesn’t have a ban on interstate travel — the mandatory quarantine for those coming from Louisiana has been lifted — but given that the Lone Star State averaged nearly 28 cases per 100,000 people in the first half of July, it might not be the best spot for a road trip.
The state began its reopening phase in late April, but has since walked back those eased restrictions to try to combat the spread of COVID-19. That means many of the state’s attractions and experiences aren’t an option for travelers from the surrounding states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
For example, rafting and tubing businesses have been closed, while restaurants are limited to 50% capacity — making it safer, but harder, to get a table.
The same 50% capacity regulations are in effect for:
- Recreational businesses, such as bowling alleys, bingo halls and skating rinks
- Museums and libraries
- Zoos, aquariums and natural caverns
(Note: We chose to highlight Texas here over Arizona because of Texas’ high amount of coronavirus cases in the past seven days, making it the worse option between the two. As of Aug. 17, Texas had reported more than 52,000 cases in the past seven days, compared with more than 6,000 in Arizona.)