Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the closure of all bars that get 51 per cent of their gross receipts from alcohol, except for take-out, and the curbing of other business activity due to surging cases of the novel coronavirus in the state.

“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10pc, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of Covid-19,” Abbott said in a press release, explaining an executive order.

“At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars.”