Coronavirus: Austin Public Health Requests Events Suspension

AUSTIN, TX — Austin health officials on Saturday urged event organizers to "strongly consider" canceling or postponing events of more then 250 people to mitigate potential spread of new coronavirus.

The move comes one day after Austin Public Health officials confirmed three cases of new coronavirus in Travis County. The virus now known as COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

Event organizers heeding health officials' requests would do so voluntarily, but health officiasl said stronger recommendations are under consideration. The request comes one week after city officials banned groups of 2,500 or more attendees — which led to the unprecedented cancellation of SXSW — to prevent potential spread of illness.

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Austin Public Health epidemiologists who are investigating the exposure risk from the new COVID-19 cases in the local jurisdiction are recommending a range of measures to reduce the opportunity for community spread.

The following guidelines are strongly recommended for events:

• Increase the frequency of sanitizing frequently touched surfaces.
• Encourage attendees to stay at least six feet away from each other to reduce risk.
• Keep an adequate supply of hand soap, disinfectants, tissues, and paper towels.
• Encourage attendees to follow increased hygiene, such as:
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with other people.

When considering attending an event people should consider the following guidelines:

• Anyone who is sick should not attend.
• Anyone who has a member of their household that is sick should not attend.
• Those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, including individuals over 65 or with underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, should not attend.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue if available or into your elbow.

• Those feeling unwell should not use public transportation.

The updated recommendations for events are consistent with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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• U.S. Air Force Cancels Austin Events Over Coronavirus Fears
• Dell Modifies Conference To Virtual Version Over Coronavirus

“The health and safety of Austin-Travis County residents and visitors is our highest priority and today we’re adopting a regional strategy to help minimize the spread of this disease,” Dr. Mark Escott, interim health authority for Austin-Travis County, said in a prepared statement. “We are looking for opportunities to mitigate risk while keeping businesses operating. If we can find the right balance we can better sustain our community.”

Separately, emergency rules have been adopted mandating restaurants and other food establishments to take a range of actions to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County.

Effective March 13, the new rules state that food permit holders and people in charge of food businesses must:

• Display “Help Prevent Disease” signs provided by Austin Public Health in a prominent public location clearly visible to the general public and patrons.
• Make hand sanitizer available to the general public and to patrons.
• Disinfect and sanitize commonly touched surfaces and nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment of the establishment at least once every hour.
• Adopt and implement a policy that provides for the immediate exclusion of food handlers from duties if they develop a fever greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees during their shift.

Failure to comply with the Emergency Rules set to expire July 12 constitutes a public health hazard and violations may result in the immediate suspension of food establishment permits, officials said.

The day after the request, officials connected with the inaugural Campfire Gathering that had been scheduled March 16-18 in Dripping Springs opted to cancel the event. “At the direction of the local and state health officials, as well as in light of recent developments today, it is with a heavy heart that we must postpone and reschedule the inaugural Campfire Gathering," officials said in a prepared statement on Saturday.

The culinary-centered event was billed as a boutique and luxury music festival. Officials directed those with questions to email info@campfiregathering.com and/or visit campfiregathering.com. All tickets for the March event will be honored for the soon-to-be-announced rescheduled dates,officials said. For any current ticket-buyers unable to attend the rescheduled event, refunds will be offered once the new dates have been shared, officials added.

"While we are extremely saddened by today’s news, the health, well-being, and safety of our fans, artists, and employees is of paramount importance," Campfire Gathering officials wrote. "We now encourage everyone to follow the guidelines and various preventive measures put forth by local and national health authorities."

At the University of Texas at Austin campus, officials at the Blanton Museum of Art opted to temporarily close for two weeks starting on Friday, March 13. Contingent on COVID-19 developments, a reopening is scheduled on March 31. The closure includes the galleries of the Michener Building, “Austin” by Ellsworth Kelly, and the Blanton Café and Museum Shop, according to an announcement. Museum officials said they would post updates on their website and via social media as more updates are given.

Before health officials' request, U.S. Air Force officials moved to cancel the planned Spark Collider and Pitch Bowl events that had been scheduled from March 10-12 in Austin. The decision to cancel the events followed a disaster declaration by city officials.

In Round Rock, officials at Dell opted to stage a virtual version of its World 2020 conference that had been planned in Las Vegas over concern about potential COVID-19 spread.

For more information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19. To keep upated with Austin Public Health developments, follow on Twitter or friend on Facebook.