In a statement, city and county officials said the public health policy update was made in response to viral infection and hospitalization statistics in the area that have declined in recent weeks. The move comes one day after Travis County scrapped its own masking requirement, and several weeks after Austin Public Health announced a move into Stage 2 of local pandemic guidelines, the second-lowest level. Austin and Travis County were in Stage 5, the highest level, as recently as last month.
The March update means masking is no longer mandated in most government facilities and schools—although officials said masking is still encouraged indoors for those at higher risk. Orders requiring local businesses to post public health signage are also no longer in effect.
"Effective immediately, masking indoors, including inside city buildings, is no longer required, with only limited exceptions. Congratulations—it's about time!" Mayor Steve Adler said in a statement. "Thank you to everyone vaccinated and boosted for helping to get us here."
In the wake of the March announcement, Austin Public Health also said it will begin using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 Community Levels tool for local virus trends; the CDC lists Austin-Travis County's community spread level as "low." APH said the measurement shift can be expected in the coming days.
According to local Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes, 72% of Austin-Travis County is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 alongside "a large portion" of the population with natural immunity.
"We have not eliminated the virus but adapted to it. We now have knowledge and tools to fight COVID-19 when we are called to do so," Walkes said. "I am confident that the community will come together if the need arises again, as they have for the past two years of this pandemic."
APH will continue to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccination services without an appointment. APH's mobile vaccination offering is also available for scheduled visits by request.
