At midnight bars, gyms and massage parlors across Texas close. 9 things you need to know. - The Dallas Morning News

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AUSTIN -- Beginning overnight Friday, restaurants across Texas will temporarily close their dining rooms. Schools will stop classes. Gyms, bars and massage parlors will shut their doors.

The action is the result of an executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott meant to stop the spread of novel coronavirus, which has sickened Texans in more than 30 counties. The temporary shutdown will last for two weeks, through April 3. Here are the things you need to know.

The executive order affects the entire state. It limits “social gatherings” to no more than 10 people, but there are exceptions for church and funerals.

Abbott suggested, however, that people should keep such services small, put space between people or stream them online to avoid spreading COVID-19.

No. The order does not require people to shelter in place. But public health officials are asking people to only go out for necessary items or to get moderate exercise, like walks or runs.

People can still go to grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks. Offices can remain open, though Abbott recommended businesses let their employees work from home when it’s feasible.

Dining in at restaurants is not allowed, but customers can continue ordering food at drive-throughs or for pickup.

Bars are closed, as are gyms, massage parlors and schools.

People cannot visit nursing homes, retirement centers or long-term care facilities unless they are providing “critical assistance.”

Yes. All schools in Texas -- both public and private, colleges and universities -- are closed. At the higher education level, there may be exceptions to allow for take-out at campus food courts or to keep laboratories open that are running experiments. Those decisions will vary by school.

Abbott said he is working with colleges and universities to determine what will and won’t close.

“You need to be in communication with the person you work with at your university or college so you can find out what you can and cannot do,” he said.

The order takes effect overnight Friday and lasts through April 3. Abbott indicated the order could be extended based on the status of the virus spread.

Students can still pick up free meals at over 1,000 sites set up around the state, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath said. Those locations can be found on this state website.

Those who lose their jobs can apply for unemployment benefits, a process that has been accelerated to get eligible Texans their aid more quickly. Abbott waived the 10-day investigation period for people applying for unemployment.

Government agencies and law enforcement can enforce the order, Abbott said. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, for example, could revoke a bar’s license to serve alcohol if it stays open.

“Literally, their life as an ongoing business is on the line if they violate the order,” Abbott said.

Enforcement is expected to depend mostly on complaints made by the public to the local health department.

Abbott activated the Texas National Guard on Tuesday to respond to coronavirus, but said at the time none need to be deployed.

“We just want to make sure we have activated them, they know they are going to be activated,” he said. Health care workers and first responders are excluded from the activation.

Read the full order here.