Williamson County extends stay at home order

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell cited a UT Austin study as one of the reasons for extending the order. It estimates several hundred deaths in the county. 

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - The stay at home order for Williamson County has been extended until April 30th. The decision was made following President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s move to extend their executive orders.

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell also cited a UT Austin study as one of the reasons for extending the order.

UT Austin releases study on impact of social distancing

The study says if people don’t practice social distancing, hospitals in the Austin-Round Rock area could be overrun by the summer.

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According to the UT Austin study on social distancing, about 100,000 people in Williamson County will get COVID-19. Approximately 5,000 of those people would need to be hospitalized.

It also estimates several hundred deaths in the county.

“The UT model shows that approximately 100,000 people in Williamson County could end up contracting COVID-19. Of those, they predict 5,000 will be hospitalized with nearly 800 in intensive care and hundreds dying. The only way to prevent this is to be vigilant in our efforts at social distancing and staying home,” said Judge Gravell.

Travis County, Williamson County are now under a stay at home order

To prevent further spread of COVID-19, Mayor Steve Adler says people should only leave their homes if absolutely necessary.

The order limits the public to only leave home for essential activity, essential business, essential government functions and critical care functions. For more information on the extension and what is allowed under this order, click here.

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