For many states across the US, the stay at home order expires April 30th and allows other businesses to open at a reduced capacity. States like Texas, Georgia, and Florida have already opened up beaches and other small amenities to help build the economy back up. There are many people with mixed emotions on whether or not the states should reopen with the Coronavirus still spreading at high numbers. Senior, Bryson Randolph, says it might be too early but he misses seeing his friends.

“Ever since the pandemic started and got bigger and bigger, my parents restricted who I could go hang out with. Now I usually just go into work and back home. I think it’s kind of early to open the state up with the cases still going up but if you know how to be safe about it then I feel like it’s necessary. The economy opening up can persuade my parents into letting me hang with friends, while social distancing of course,” said Randolph.

The State of Texas will reopen the economy in phases to try and keep the number of COVID-19 cases down. Phase one began May 1st and allows some businesses open at 25% capacity like malls, movie theaters, museums and more. Phase two and three come within weeks, and if cases do not sky rocket, business can open at 50% and 75%. Sophomore, Samantha Penny, says she feels like it’s alright to open things up now.

“I don’t feel like we should open the state up 100% because the numbers will get worse than before. But to me, it is cool because some people can get their jobs back and start making money and it also gives me and my friends something to do other than just hang and talk. Me and my friends can go to a drive-in and watch a movie and still be social distancing so opening the economy has its perks but I wouldn’t be surprised if the number of cases go up because of people leaving their house,” said Penney.

Many students have kept their jobs because they are deemed essential workers. Food suppliers like grocery stores and fast food restaurants stayed open at reduced hours to keep up with the demand for their products. Senior, Xavier Myers, says things will remain the same.

“I’ve been working ever since the pandemic started. I got more hours because some people have to care for others during a time like this. When the economy opens up, I think it will be somewhat the same because people won’t come out because the virus is still out and there is no vaccine for it. Maybe when phase two comes out and the cases are still down a little bit more, people will come out but not many. When I don’t go to work I could do stuff like going to the movies with my friends and find ways to get out of the house,” said Myers.

The state of Texas opening in three phases and also increasing the number of testing available can be a good way to get the economy and life back to what is regarded as “normal” before this worldwide pandemic.