“I ask residents to take this shelter-in-place action seriously as we all need to do our part to stop the spread of the COVID-19,” Pflugerville mayor Victor Gonzales said in an email to Community Impact Newspaper. “While there are no known cases in Pflugerville at this time, actions like shelter in place help prevent the community spread of the virus.”
Essential businesses include grocery stores, banks, convenience stores, carry-out or delivery restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, veterinary offices and other healthcare service facilities, childcare facilities providing services that enable essential employees to continue functioning, gas stations and auto repair facilities, and banks and financial institutions, according to orders enacted March 24.
Travis County announced shelter-in-place orders at a March 24 press conference. The order, impacting Pflugerville residents, takes effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight.
“At the end of the day, what [this] means is that we’re asking our community to stay home to the greatest extent possible,” Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said.
Williamson County officials called for a stay-at-home order during the same March 24 press conference. The order, impacting residents in Round Rock and Hutto, goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. March 24 through 11:59 p.m. April 13.
“I know we have many people and businesses hurting during this time and it kills me,” Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan said. “We must remain calm and not be driven by fear and panic. We are in this together and will come out stronger than before.”
Morgan, alongside other area mayors stressed the importance of following county orders. He also pointed to resources for residents, small businesses owners who have been negatively impacted by coronavirus-related restrictions.
“The City of Hutto staff and elected officials intend to abide by the county-wide shelter in place order issued today to help keep our residents safe and slow the spread of the virus,” said Mayor Doug Gaul in an email to Community Impact Newspaper. “I want to remind everyone to stay safe and stay home, limit physical interaction and take care of your emotional and mental health. We are Hutto strong and together we will get through this.”
Orders also state that nonessential businesses may continue operations as long as all employees or contractors are doing their work from home.
"The coronavirus knows no boundaries," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said. "So we must as community come together and work together collaboratively."
Additional reporting contributed by Kelsey Thompson, Ali Linan and Olivia Aldridge.
Have questions about the latest restrictions? Community Impact Newspaper reporters are answering readers' questions about what this means for them and their families. Check out our FAQ for March 24's shelter-in-place orders.
