WilCo Moves To Allow Gatherings Amid Coronavirus

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — On the heels of a related gubernatorial order, the Williamson County Judge on Friday cleared the way for gatherings of more than 10 people in spite of continual reach of the coronavirus.

The new order took effect at noon. The action continues to allow county residents to have such outdoor gatherings in the unincorporated areas of Williamson County provided the gatherings otherwise comply with the governor's executive order issued on Thursday, according to an advisory.

The county's order also follow the gubernatorial version requiring the use of protective face coverings to help blunt the spread of illness.

Read Williamson County order here

“Williamson County residents have shown that they can practice public health mitigation measures, reducing the spread of COVID-19, and be able to safely gather outdoors, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "Our daily new case levels are declining, indicating that safety measures such as wearing face coverings and washing our hands often are working. We must continue those precautions so that we can continue to reopen Texas.

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Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday issued an executive order allowing for expanded occupancy levels for restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, gyms and exercise facilities and classes, museums and libraries while re-authorizing elective surgeries for a majority of the state of Texas. The governor also announced new guidance related to visitations at nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the state. Bars were ordered to remain closed for the time being.

The governor's move is designed to help jump-start business activity in a landscape largely stilled by the respiratory illness spread.