AUSTIN, Texas -- As the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 escalate, Austin leaders at noon on Tuesday announced city bars and restaurants are closing. There will be exceptions for pickup and delivery, however.
They additionally announced the protective measure of limiting gatherings to 10 people. That does not include critical services. The orders are slated to be in effect for six weeks.
Specifically, the order mandates food establishments are to close common dining areas and encouraged to provide take-away, delivery and drive-thru services. Bars are ordered to close common spaces and are prohibited from allowing consumption on premises.
Leaders also announced a moratorium on evictions for an unknown amount of time.
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Similar moves have already been put into effect in Dallas and Houston.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following statement in response to the announcement:
“Like the courageous decision to shutter SXSW, Mayor Adler is taking the necessary step to limit suffering and deaths. Communities across Texas, especially in our neighboring counties, should do the same. With little national leadership, local governments must act. The pain for small businesses and their employees will be great; the inconvenience to the rest of us is not inconsiderable. These drastic steps are necessary because of multiple Trump Administration failures to heed warnings and prepare. Contrary to the oft-repeated Trump lie that anyone can be tested, America still lacks sufficient testing capability to determine COVID-19’s spread. Additional limitations will likely be required. Today’s action represents the least worst alternative—to hunker down, maintain social distancing, care for one another, and work to make it through the storm. Together, we can do this.”