Senator John Cornyn agrees with Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas

Senator John Cornyn, of Texas, says the state needs to reopen slowly but surely so people can get back to work.

In an interview with KSAT 12 News on Friday, the Republican lawmaker said only allowing 25% capacity for patrons in restaurants, retail outlets and movie theaters is a good start.

“We can’t stay hunkered down in our homes forever. Many people are without a paycheck and they need to provide for their families by earning a wage. I think by doing this gradually with the proper safeguards is the right thing to do," he said.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn draws rebuke for blaming coronavirus on China

Cornyn said a successful phase-in strategy will give residents confidence to resume somewhat of a normal return to life.

COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March. The first case confirmed in the U.S. was in mid-January and the first case confirmed in San Antonio was in mid-February.

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE FROM KSAT:

• Everything we know about the coronavirus cases in Bexar, surrounding counties
• These are the places you can get tested for COVID-19 in Bexar County, San Antonio
• Explained: How San Antonio, Bexar County plan to reopen businesses, activities
• Here’s what you need to know about the mandatory face-covering rules in San Antonio, Bexar County
• Gov. Abbott: Texas classrooms closed for rest of school year; economy to reopen in waves using ‘data and doctors’
• Track coronavirus cases by ZIP, age in San Antonio with interactive map
• Map: Track COVID-19 cases in Texas, county-by-county updates
• SAQ: Your coronavirus questions answered
• A guide to unemployment benefits for Texans laid off during coronavirus pandemic
• Where San Antonio-area students can find free Wi-Fi during pandemic
• Map: Where San Antonio-area students can find free school meals during closures
• 8 ways to help your fellow San Antonians during coronavirus pandemic
• ’SA Food 2 Go:’ Search nearby restaurants offering to-go, delivery around San Antonio
• Resources from World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, City of San Antonio