Coronavirus: WilCo Limits Crowd Sizes To Under 50 People

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County on Monday implemented a ban on crowd sizes not to exceed 50 people amid the growing new coronavirus threat.

County Judge Bill Gravell issued the order in line with recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Conrol and Prevention based in Atlanta. The move follows similar measures in Austin and Pflugerville, both of which implemented limits on gatherings to not exceed 25o people.

The Williamson County ban is in effect for the next eight weeks, according to the order. It takes effect on Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m., through May 11, according to the order, unless terminated before that time by the judge or by action undertaken by the Williamson County Commissioners Court.

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The outbreak of what is now called COVID-19 is contagious and spread through person-to-person contact, especially in group settings. Health officials have recommended cities and counties set limits on the size of crowds as a result as a tactic of "social distancing" to curb potential spread of disease.

“Williamson County is dedicated to keeping all of our people safe and healthy," Gravell said in a prepared statement. "Extraordinary measures had to be taken in order to limit the possible spread of the Coronavirus in Williamson County, potentially overwhelming our healthcare system. In Williamson County, we are dedicated to being prepared, not scared."

No positive cases of COVID-19 have emerged from Williamson County to date. Austin has recorded six positive cases so far.

Related stories:

• Coronavirus: Austin Bans Events With 250 Attendees
• Coronavirus: Pflugerville Cancels City Events, Limits Crowd Sizes

The Wiliamson County order specifically states there will be no large events or mass gatherings such as conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings and other types of assemblies of 50 people or more staged in Williamson County. In addition, Gravel strongly urged organizers to cancel or postpone in-person large events or mass gatherings that consist of 50 people or more. Events of any size can only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing, the judge added.

The order does not apply to the day-to-day operations of organizations such as daycare facilities, schools, institutes of higher learning, private sector businesses, and public sector business.

Dr. Lori Palazzo, Williamson County Health Authority, added: "The Williamson County and Cities Health District consistently follows CDC guidance with regard to COVID-19, including their recommendations for limiting mass gatherings to less than 50 people. Social distancing is an important method for reducing the spread of disease, including COVID-19. You can empower yourself by practicing social distancing and these basic prevention methods:”

Palazzo outlined advice to prevent getting sick:

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• When you can't wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
• Practice social distancing: keep a space of 6 feet between you and others; consider tele- or remote options for gatherings, whenever feasible.

Individuals who are at the highest risk from COVID-19, including elderly people or those with underlying health conditions, are told to avoid community gatherings or events that will likely have 10 or more people, county officials added.

Moreover, workplaces are urged to consider use of telecommuting options, suspend non-essential employee travel, minimize the number of employees working within arm’s length of one another, and encourage employees to stay home when they are sick. Anyone who is feeling ill — even if they are not aware of any contact with a COVID-19 case — should stay at home, county officials added.