Read five of the most popular Central Texas stories from the past week of coverage.

Austin mayor says Gov. Greg Abbott’s strategy to reopen society aligns with city’s plans, so far

Although Austin and Travis County’s stay-home order was extended to May 8, parts of the community, including retail shops, will begin softly reopening this week at the behest of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell seeks $8,000 in reimbursements for mask supplies

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said he and his wife, Jill, will donate the $8,263.24 of supplies they bought to make masks to combat coronavirus and will not seek reimbursement.

Updated: New Braunfels stay-at-home order to remain unchanged after Abbott's orders

The city of New Braunfels will not amend its stay-at-home order in the wake of three executive orders issued by Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday, April 17.

Travis County’s top doc: Wearing face masks and maintaining social distance likely need to last at least a year

Dr. Mark Escott, Austin-Travis County’s interim health authority, said residents will need to maintain social distancing and remain vigilant about wearing face masks when out in public for at least a year.

San Marcos is the first city in Texas to adopt a cite-and-release law

After a bumpy road followed by a lively debate among elected officials, the city of San Marcos will be the first in Texas to adopt a cite-and-release policy in the form of a law for certain low-level offenses.

Christopher Neely, Ali Linan, Warren Brown and Evelin Garcia contributed to this report.