The state has seen one of the biggest surges in new US infections as the governor says it is facing a « massive outbreak ».
Further phased reopenings of the economy in Texas have been halted as doctors reported an « explosion » in the number of coronavirus patients.
The state, which was among the first to start lifting the lockdown, has seen one of the biggest surges in new US infections, with more than 5,500 new cases on Wednesday.
It is facing a « massive outbreak », according to governor Greg Abbott, who has urged most residents to stay at home for their safety.
He said: « The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses.
« This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. »
The decision does not reverse any of the reopening phases he has already allowed – bars, restaurants, malls, bowling alleys and other businesses can remain open with some capacity limits.
Restaurants can operate at 75% capacity and virtually all other businesses, including bars, can operate at 50%.
