Texas Capitol Scheduled To Reopen On Jan. 4, 2021

AUSTIN, TX — The state Capitol building will reopen on Jan. 4, 2021, after being closed for much of the year over fears of the coronavirus, officials said Monday.

The move to reopen the hub of state government comes as many other capitols elsewhere — including the U.S. Capitol building — remain closed. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety protocols have been put in place to allow for the Capitol’s reopening while maintaining a safe environment for all visitors, lawmakers, and staff, officials explained in an advisory.

"Preparations to safely conduct business in the Texas House and Senate are ongoing, and each chamber will vote upon their respective rules and protocols at the start of the legislative session," officials wrote in an advisory.

The reopening will occur about a week before the Texas Legislature reconvenes for the first time since 2019.

The imminent reopening comes at a time of surging coronavirus cases and hospitalizations at levels not seen seen summer. As of Sunday, Texas reported more than 9,800 coronavirus hospitalizations and less than 800 intensive care unit beds. Last Thursday, the state hit another record of new cases when more than 16,000 were reported in a single 240hour period.