"It's times like this when Lakeway shines," Cox said during her address, adding that the city's disaster declaration continues to be updated along with federal entity regulations.
Cox said it is not necessarily important to maintain social distancing, but it is important to maintain physical distances.
"I know you all are using our parks because the trashcans are overflowing," Cox said. "And that warms my heart."
The mayor also said the city's website is a crucial tool, especially at this time, for information for citizens and businesses.
Cox also explained the city's disaster declaration helps make local officials more agile in their response and opens the city's coffers up for federal funding reimbursement for any coronavirus-related expenses.
"If you feel sick, please do not go to the hospital," Cox said, adding Medicare and Medicaid are now offering telemedicine options for patients that comes without a copay.
Regarding resources, Cox said the local grocery stores are being picked clean, the city is still food-secure and touched on what other local entities are doing to help with the coronavirus response.
Prior to the live update, information from the city on other local efforts stated the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce has worked to help organize a business resource page on Facebook to "Support Local Business," which is a place for local businesses to post the latest information.
Randalls and H-E-B locations are still open but have reduced their hours and do need workers and are paying up to $15 per hour, she said, and reminded citizens alcoholic drinks have been allowed for delivery by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Cox also informed citizens about how they can get small loans right now and pointed to links on the city website that will help.
Austin Energy will not be disconnecting utilities, and there is the COVID-19 Community Caver Hotline at 512-978-8775 that can also help citizens in need.
"Additionally, area churches have organized to create Lake Travis One, which is also a resource page for residents giving guidance on how neighbors can take care of neighbors in the community," according to Lakeway's website. "Starting on Monday, March 23, Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD) will be offering free meals for children 0-18 years of age. The free packaged breakfast and lunch options will be available for pickup between the hours for 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at ... Bee Cave Middle School, Hudson Bend Middle School and Lake Travis Middle School."
During the question-and-answer period, several citizens asked about day cares, which are open right now but having to operate within the 10-person gathering limit mandated by the city. Cox said gyms are closed due to requirements from the state of Texas, and there are mental health resources through the county and Lake Travis One.
The mayor also said city officials are conducting daily calls with the CEO of the hospital as well as Lakeway Police Chief Todd Radford and stated she could not comment on people who live in the Lake Travis area who may be positive for coronavirus, but as far as she knows there are not cases in Lakeway or the Lake Travis area yet, though that could change.
Lakeway issued a disaster declaration March 16, which has since been updated to stay consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and among other mandates, limits gatherings to 10 people or less and shutters dine-in options for restaurants.
Lakeway's disaster declaration:
1. Restaurants are limited to take out or drive-thru service only (designated to limit exposure between individuals); dine-in service is hereby prohibited.
2. All holders of a wine and beer retailer's permit or mixed beverage permit (bars) shall close common bar spaces open to the public and are hereby prohibited from allowing consumption of alcohol on the bar premises.
3. Limit gatherings to 10 persons or less (see link for details). "Gatherings" does not include governmental buildings providing essential services, grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals and medical offices and facilities.
4. All city boards, committees and commissions shall not meet until further notice except for the zoning and planning commission, city building commission and charter review committee.
5. All nonessential city buildings and facilities shall be closed, except as determined by the city manager for community benefit during the disaster. For clarity, this includes the activity center, heritage center and the swim center.
6. The municipal court shall continue operations at the discretion of the municipal judge and mayor.
7. Everyone, especially the older population and at-risk categories, are encouraged to self-quarantine as recommended by the CDC.
8. Businesses are urged to implement the CDC guidelines for business operations.
Source: city of Lakeway
