Coronavirus: City Of Austin Modifies Schedule, Cuts Services

AUSTIN, TX — City functions will be closed until month's end — library branches, the animal shelter, swimming pools and municipal courts among them — In response to the growing threat of new coronavirus, officials announced on Sunday evening.

Toward the end of preventing future spread of the respiratory ailment, the city will modify its operations and some public services will be suspended until Monday, March 30, officials said. "This is being done to maintain the health and safety of City employees and the community at large while providing critical city services," officials said in a prepared statement.

The upshot: Starting on Monday, March 16, all library branches will be closed; all non-essential municipal court dockets will be rescheduled; Austin Animal Center will be closed to the public; all pools, golf courses, athletic programs, recreation centers, and cultural centers will be closed.

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Officials noted that camps and spring break activities will occur as scheduled Monday through Wednesday, but will be suspended following the completion of activities Wednesday. Additionally, city officials said, meal services for children and seniors will continue.

Officials stressed there would be no changes to essential city services, including public safety, trash, recycling, and compost pick up, Austin Water service, Austin Energy service and transportation services.

“We believe these changes in city services are measured steps to help prevent the spread of this virus in our community,” City Manager Spencer Cronk said in a prepared statement. “We asked our department directors to look at their operations and decide how to transition as many of those functions to facilitate social distancing. We understand that we have to strike a balance, and many critical city functions will continue at their normal work locations.”

In addition to those modifications, officials are encouraging city employees to begin transitioning to teleworking schedules throughout the upcoming week if able. "Our approach strives to create internal equity among City employees while balancing the need to continue or modify City services," officials said in a press advisory. "For employees unable to telework, increasing the physical working space among employees and modifying operations are among the options being evaluated."

In many cases, city officials added, in-person stakeholder meetings that are not time-sensitive will be canceled. Additionally, many boards and commissions meetings this week will be rescheduled or canceled outright, officials said.

The municipal modifications come in the wake of city- and county-mandated bans on large-scale gatherings, the first order covering events of 2,500 people or more leading to the unprecedented cancellation of SXSW. The city this weekend amended the order by prohibiting events of 250 attendees and above — with accompanying fines attached to violators subject to a misdemeanor charge.

Related stories:

• Austin ISD Bans Large Gatherings Over Coronavirus Fears
• More Austin Venues Cancel, Postpone Events Amid Coronavirus
• Coronavirus: Austin Bans Events With 250 Attendees
• Austin Bans Events With 2,500-Plus Attendees Over Coronavirus
• U.S. Air Force Cancels Austin Events Over Coronavirus Fears
• Coronavirus Forces SXSW Cancellation: Here's Why

“We continue to urge the public to remain calm, to be responsible, and to prepare appropriately,” Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Health Authority for Austin-Travis County, said in a prepared statement. “Our personal hygiene and social distancing messages are still the critical piece to stopping the spread of this virus.” To that end, city officials provided hygiene tips — advice well worth repeating — designed to avoid contracting the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.