City operations in Austin closed or working on modified schedules

Beginning today (3/16), not all city operations in Austin will be running as normal. Some public services will be suspended until at least March 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Services that will be shut down include:

  • All library branches will be closed
  • All non-essential Municipal Court dockets will be rescheduled
  • Austin Animal Center will be closed to the public
  • All pools, golf courses, athletic programs, recreation centers, and cultural centers will be closed.

Officials say that camps and spring break activities will happen today (3/16) through Wednesday (3/18) and then be suspended following completion of activities on Wednesday.

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates

Meal services for seniors and kids are expected to continue.

Officials say the measures are aimed at helping maintain the health and safety of city employees and the community at large.

The moves just a week after Mayor Steve Adler had encouraged people to go out in Austin to help support local businesses. With the rapidly changing situation, and more presumed cases in the area, the mayor has changed his stance.

Mayor Adler joined FOX 7 Austin's Casey Claiborne to discuss the coronavirus situation in the city.

As for testing, Baylor Scott & White has opened a drive-through coronavirus testing location in North Austin. Patients must first answer an online questionnaire to qualify and if they meet certain requirements they're then able to drive through to take the test.

All this comes as local officials announced that the presumptive positive cases in Austin-Travis County now stands at six and that number is expected to grow.

RELATED: Six total presumptive positive coronavirus cases found in Austin-Travis County

Officials continue to urge people to do the following:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.\
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
  • Stay home when you are sick. 
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

For the latest from the City of Austin on the coronavirus and an updated number of cases you can go here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK