While many of us have already been limiting our out-of-home time to only the basic necessities, today the stay at home order has become official. Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt announced a Public Health Order requiring individuals to remain in place at home/residence, with exceptions for essential work and activities in Austin and Travis County.

You can view the complete City of Austin Public Health Order HERE.

“Now is the time for us really to focus on keeping each other safe. Let’s all actively decrease our physical interactions with others each day. The best way to do that? Stay home – unless it’s essential,” says Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “Today’s Orders are intended to help us do this. When you go to sleep at night, count the number of people you’ve interacted with throughout the day. The next day, try to reduce that number.  We can do this if everybody does their part.  It’s on each of us to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.  This will give us more time to have more tests, more supplies, and more attention for each person who gets sick.”

So what does this all mean, exactly?
The following essential business will remain open and the list below of essential activities is allowed, but you MUST practice physical distancing of at at least 6 feet apart from each other at all times.

Examples of essential businesses:

• Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, food banks, convenience stores, carry-out or delivery restaurants
• Hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, veterinary offices and other healthcare service facilities
• Childcare facilities providing services that enable essential employees to continue functioning
• Gas stations and auto repair facilities
• Banks and financial institutions
• Critical infrastructure including energy, water, solid waste collection and other governmental services
• Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other essential businesses
• Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning
• Businesses that provide social services and necessities of life for economically disadvantaged individuals and shelter facilities
• Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, and goods directly to residences or maintain essential business supply chains
• Roles required for any Essential Business to “maintain basic operations,” which include security, payroll, and similar activities

Examples of essential activities:

• Health and safety: obtaining healthcare, emergency services, medical supplies, or medications
• Necessary supplies and services: obtaining groceries and food, pet food, and supplies necessary for staying at home
• Outdoor activity and exercise: engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, or running provided that individuals maintain at least six feet of social distancing
• Austin Parks and Recreation Department has closed and prohibited the use of the City’s playgrounds and exercise equipment stations. Parks and hike/bike trails will remain open.
• Essential work and services: performing work at an essential business, which includes all services needed to ensure the continuing operation of critical infrastructure to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public
• Care for others: caring for a family member, the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons in another household

For much more info about COVID-19 and to find many Austin resources, please visit austintexas.gov/COVID19. For additional info and questions, you can call 3-1-1 (512-974-2000).