Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order March 10 allows businesses to open to 100% capacity and removes a statewide mandate to wear masks. However, the cities of Bee Cave and Lakeway are for now choosing to keep masks and social distancing practices in place in city facilities.

In a post to the city of Bee Cave’s website, City Manager Clint Garza said the governor’s order still encourages the wearing of masks and social distancing to limit the spread of the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, Bee Cave will continue to offer front-door pickup at its library and digital permits. Also, public meetings as well as the city’s municipal court will continue to offer remote participation.

“We will continue to monitor the public health situation in our area and are looking forward to expanding services as conditions allow,” Garza stated in his online post.

In Lakeway, Mayor Sandy Cox said in her most recent Facebook video post that masks will continue to be required in city buildings. Also, as of March 10, the Lake Travis library stated on its website that the library is closed and continues to offer curbside pickup via text, email and web.


While there is no city mandate for businesses to require masks, Cox said local residents should respect the rights of businesses owners to require such practices.

“Every business has the right to set its own regulations,” Cox said. “Please be respectful of the wishes of our businesses ... check before you go so that you know what to expect.”

Cox said she expects in six to eight weeks most residents who want a vaccine to protect against COVID-19 will be able to have one as local pharmacies increasingly receive shipments. For now, however, she said the best way to schedule a vaccine is through the two area vaccine hubs—Austin Public Health and UT Health Austin.