Travis County officials explain changes to stay at home order

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin-Travis County leaders gave an update on stay-at-home orders, which includes a call to avoid gatherings, observe social distancing, and wear face coverings.

Interim Austin-Travis County health authority Dr. Mark Escott, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and County Judge Sarah Eckhardt discussed the current Stay Home, Work Safe orders for Austin and Travis County that remain in effect and plans to extend the order later this week with modifications to comply with Gov. Greg Abbott's statewide orders issued last week.

Austin-Travis County will continue and extend the mandated use of face coverings. Per the statewide executive order, local jurisdictions may no longer enforce the mandated use of face coverings through civil or criminal penalties.

Provisions of the orders that remain unchanged include a ban on gatherings of groups of people who do not share a household as well as the continuation of social and physical distancing while out in public. In addition, travel is permitted only to essential and re-opened businesses or to conduct an essential activity, such as exercise or outdoor activity.

SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS

Under last week’s statewide executive order which initiated greater social and business interactions, certain non-essential businesses and services may reopen including in-store retail, some dine-in restaurant services, movie theaters, museums, libraries and shopping malls. Reopened businesses must operate at 25 percent occupancy.

RELATED: State stay-at-home order will expire on April 30, first phase of businesses reopening May 1
   
The new statewide order remains in effect through May 15 and is subject to extension based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas. The Statewide order may also be extended based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. Every weekday we're live at 12 p.m. with a special show reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.

You can watch live in your FOX 7 Austin app or on the FOX 7 Austin Facebook page.

You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.