"Stay Home, Work Safe" Order Extended for Central Texas
Social distancing mandate now lasts through May 8
By Kimberley Jones, 5:08PM, Mon. Apr. 13, 2020
As expected, the shelter-in-place orders for Austin and Travis County that were set to expire today, Monday, April 13, at midnight have been extended. The social distancing and self-isolation mandate has been the city’s chief weapon against the spread of COVID-19.
Originally issued March 24, the “Stay Home, Work Safe” orders require city and county residents to shelter in their place of residence; requires nonessential businesses and operations to cease activities at facilities unless otherwise exempted; prohibits all public and private gatherings outside of a single household or dwelling unit; and prohibits travel except for essential activities or essential work.
The city and county have made modifications to the orders, the most notable being a requirement to wear a face covering in public. (Fabric stores have been added to the list of essential businesses.)
The new orders extend through May 8. Williamson County has also extended its shelter-in-place order, through April 30.
As of April 12, the city reports 774 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Travis County and nine deaths.
Have questions about what’s an essential activity or business? Consult our Infographic Guide to Sheltering at Home.
Click here to download a high-res version.
Got something to say on the subject? Send a letter to the editor.
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
June 28, 2024
June 14, 2024
COVID-19, Stay Home, Work Safe, shelter in place