Coronavirus: WilCo Aligns 'Stay Home' Order To State Version

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The county judge on Tuesday signed new orders ensuring consistency between the region's "Stay Home Stay Safe" directive and the state version of this measure that's seen as an effective way to blunt spread of the new coronavirus.

The Williamson County version of the order was signed on March 24 by county judge Bill Gravell. To better align his order with one signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Gravell amended the regional directive pertaining to health care operations. Effective at 11:59 p.m. on April 21, the amendment allows for surgeries and procedures under specific conditions, such as hospitals reserving at least 25 percent of their capacity for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, the judge explained in a press release.

In addition, the facility cannot request any personal protective equipment from any public source for the duration of the COVID-19 disaster.

Effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. on April 24, 2020, the Stay Home Stay Safe Order is amended to allow retail businesses not defined as essential businesses to operate in limited capacity. These retail establishments can operate if services can be provided through pick-up, delivery by mail, or delivery to the customer’s doorstep. In addition, they must operate in compliance with terms required by the Texas Department of State Health Services, the judge said.

A copy of the new orders found on the county’s website is accessible by clicking here. For the state's "Guidance for Employers, Employees and Customers of Reopened Retail Services," click here.