Lakeway Mayor Sandy Cox has been regularly updating the community on the coronavirus pandemic through a series of weekly Facebook broadcasts. In light of recent events, Cox began her June 4 update by sharing her personal thoughts on the recent death of George Floyd.
Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody May 25 after former officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Chauvin has been fired and charged with second-degree murder. The three officers present at the scene have also been fired from the force and charged with crimes.
“I’d be very remiss if I went straight to COVID-19 and didn’t address the death of George Floyd,” Cox said. “It’s personal for any and every one of us.”
Floyd’s death spurred protests across the nation. Demonstrations began in Austin on May 30 where protestors clashed with police officers on I-35 and in front of the Austin Police Department’s headquarters.
Residents outside of Austin’s downtown sector have also participated in demonstrations. Though concerns loomed large over the potential for violence, protests in the western Travis County region have remained peaceful.
“I’m happy to say that in the city of Lakeway we’ve had two protests,” Cox said. “They have been peaceful, and I’m very thankful for that.”
Cox encouraged residents to continue to express their frustration and grief in a peaceful manner.
“We don’t have to be violent to exact change,” Cox said.
Acknowledging that some residents may disagree with protests and the discourse taking place, Cox also reminded the community of its rights to free speech.
From a management standpoint, the Lakeway Police Department has received the necessary training, according to Cox. City Council has ensured that review boards and essential policies are in place so the department can continue to foster a strong relationship with the community.
“They are a real community police force. They are helping us in any which way that they can, and they are keeping us safe,” Cox said.
Moving forward Cox encouraged civic engagement as a way to enact social change. Voting, whether at the federal or local level, is the first step in initiating change.
“Voting is your voice,” Cox said.
COVID-19 pandemic
Later in the broadcast Cox shifted the discussion toward the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Her broadcast arrived on the heels of several new orders issued by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas has entered Phase 3 of Abbott’s reopening plan, according to Cox. Included in that phase is an increase in occupancy rates.
Following Abbott’s June 3 guidelines, capacity limitations will not be imposed upon businesses that were previously deemed essential, including child care and religious services.
Water parks, swimming pools, bars and a number of other businesses are also permitted to increase occupancy to 50%, according to Cox. Abbott has also ordered that all bar patrons must be seated.
“Please abide by the owners and operators of these businesses; they know the rules that they need to adhere to,” Cox said. “If someone is asking you to take a seat to be served, please take a seat.”
Personal and cosmetic services such as hair salons or tattoo parlors will now operate under a 6-foot social distancing guideline rather than a capacity limitation, according to Cox. As long as the customers and chairs remain at least 6 feet away from each other, those businesses may operate at any capacity.
Restaurants will be permitted to increase occupancy to 75% on June 12, barring any changes. Diners who were previously limited to a six person party can now be seated with up to 10 people.
The city of Lakeway will also open a number of facilities, including the Swim Center, which will open at a limited capacity June 8. A number of youth and adult classes at the Lakeway Activity Center are underway.
Questions are circulated throughout the community regarding the feasibility of the city’s annual Fourth of July event. Traditionally, a parade attracting large crowds takes place down Lakeway Drive.
Cox said implementing social distancing at this event would be too difficult to manage. However, the city will host a firework show that evening. Residents can attend the event taking place in the Rough Hollow development area from within their vehicles. According to Cox, residents will also be able to view the show from Lake Travis.
The city will also livestream the event for anyone who is not able to attend.
As Abbott issues steps toward reopening, Cox is also reassuring the need for mindfulness in the community.
“We’ve not solved the virus,” Cox said. “We don’t have a vaccine for it at this point or a cure.”
Residents should practice good hygiene and though not mandated are encouraged to wear face coverings when in public.
As of June 4, the Lake Travis area has seen 53 cases, 10 of which Cox said are considered active. The area has not reported any coronavirus-related deaths.
