Texas limits public gatherings after ranking among least aggressive states in coronavirus response

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday, March 19, closing schools, bars, gyms and dining-in at restaurants statewide in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus and unify patchwork implementation that was set out by counties over the week.

Harris County and some others in the Houston area had already closed bars and limited restaurants to take-out or delivery.

The executive order limits gatherings to 10 people and begins at 12 a.m. on Friday, March 20. The ban will be in…