Hays County Judge Implements ‘Stay at Home, Work Safe’ Order and Curfew for Hays County Residents - March 25

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (March 25, 2020) – Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra today issued a countywide order for Hays County residents to stay-at-home beginning at 11 p.m. March 26 through 4 a.m. April 10. A curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. during the same timeframe is also in effect and exempts essential workers. The Order could be rescinded or extended as necessary. Read the full press release here.

COVID-19 Hotline Available for Hays County Residents - March 23

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (March 23, 2020) -- To address a rising tide of questions and concerns about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Hays County Local Health Department, in conjunction with the City of San Marcos, has established a call center to respond to questions from Hays County residents.

Residents may call the hotline at 512.393.5525 with non-emergency COVID-19 questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Spanish speakers will be available. You can also check online for symptoms, prevention, and treatment at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html in English and Spanish. Read the full press release here.

Hays County Reports Sixth COVID-19 Case - March 20

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX -- As of March 20, 2020 the Hays County Local Health Department has been notified of one additional case of COVID-19, bringing the total cases in Hays County to six. How the patient, a Kyle resident, contracted the disease is unclear. 

The breakdown of cases by city are:
Austin (some Hays County addresses are Austin) - 1
Buda - 1
Dripping Springs - 1
Kyle - 2
San Marcos - 1
Continue reading the full press release here. 

Governor Abbott Issues Executive Orders in Acordance with Federal Guidelines to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19 in Texas - March 19

Governor Greg Abbott today announced a series of Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation. The four orders serve to limit public gatherings and help reduce exposure for people across the state. These orders are in accordance with federal guidelines issued by the President and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will aid in the state's efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The following orders have been issued by Governor Abbott: 

• Order No. 1: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
• Order No. 2: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order.
• Order No. 3: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
• Order No. 4: In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close. 

These orders will be effective on a statewide basis starting at 11:59 PM on March 20, 2020 and will end at 11:59 PM on April 3, 2020, subject to extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC.

This executive order does not prohibit people from visiting a variety of places, including grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This executive order does not mandate sheltering in place. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, domestic travel will remain unrestricted, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services. Continue reading the full press release here. 

Governor Abbott Waives Certain Regulations to Allow Delivery of Alcohol from Restaurants and to Support Hospitality Industry - March 18, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a waiver that will allow restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages with food purchases to patrons, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks. The Governor also directed the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to waive certain provisions to allow manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of alcoholic beverages to repurchase or sell back unopened product. Continue reading the full press release here. 

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra Order on Social Gatherings - March 17

On Tuesday, March 17 Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued an order that prohibits community gatherings of ten (10) persons or more within Hays County starting on March 18, 2020 until May 14, 2020. The official order provides further information as to what constitutes a community gathering and the recommendations outside of the order. Please read here for further information. 

City of Buda COVID-19 Updates 

Hays County COVID-19 Updates

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program COVID-19

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for the provision of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for businesses and private nonprofits in affected communities. Texas is currently working with SBA to qualify for this declaration. 

Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and some private nonprofit organizations that have suffered substantial economic injury due to COVID-19 may be eligible for an EIDL of up to $2 million, which will provide the necessary working capital to help businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. EIDL assistance will only be available to small businesses when the SBA determines they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere. 

Find out more on how to apply here.