Coronavirus Business Restrictions Loosened In Williamson County

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — State officials on Saturday alerted Williamson County it no longer meets the definition of a high hospitalization area for cases of the coronavirus, setting the stage for higher occupancy levels at restaurants and retailers and a reopening of bars.

The Texas Department of State Health Services said previous restrictions under gubernatorial order GA 32 are no longer applicable given that coronavirus hospitalizations have not accounted for at least 15 percent of all hospitalizations for a key seven-day period.

The upshot: Businesses will be allowed to increase occupancy levels to 75 percent from 50 percent. Additionally, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell has filed a rewquest with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to allow bars to reopen at 50 percent capacity for indoor seating, according to a county advisory.

The loosened restrictions apply to the 10-county Trauma Service Area (TSA) Region O that includes Williamson and Travis counties.

Despite the loosened restrictions, Austin-Travis County remains in Stage 5 of the COVID-19 community risk level — the highest level alerting the public to coronavirus spread, colored in red for optimal warning effect. Health officials noted the risk-based guidelines are not changes to local orders, rules or regulations for businesses but are are guidelines for individual actions and behaviors.

Recommendations for Stage 5 include:

• No gatherings with anyone outside of your household.
• Dining and shopping should be limited to essential trips.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Businesses are recommended to operate through contactless options (I.e. curbside, delivery).

For more information on Governor Greg Abbot’s Executive Order GA-32, please click here.