Emergency declaration extended
Hays County Commissioners Court voted to extend the state of emergency declaration for 120 days, unless rescinded by the commissioners. The original declaration put in place Saturday was good for seven days, according to the county.
6:19 p.m. March 16
Third case confirmed
Hays County epidemiologist Eric Schneider reported a third confirmed case of coronavirus in the county. The adult resident recently traveled to California and was tested upon return.
6:13 p.m. March 16
Center still available
The Hays-Caldwell Women's Center has temporarily suspended accepting all donations of items, volunteer activities, education services and community events. The center will still be available for those experiencing family violence, sexual assault, dating violence or child abuse. The 24-hour helpline is 512-396-4357.
5:30 p.m. March 16
Other San Marcos closures
As of 5 p.m. today, according to the city of San Marcos, the San Marcos Public Library, Activity Center, Senior Center and Discovery Center will be closed. Operations will also be adjusted at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter until May 11. City facilities and parks remain open for normal business hours.
5:20 p.m. March 16
Limit of 50 people
Mayor Jane Hughson signed an order to prohibit any public or private gathering of more than 50 people in the city limits, according to a release from the city. The order begins 2 a.m. March 17 and continues until May 11. The order does not apply to shopping centers and retail stores, malls, grocery stores, schools, or public transit.
2:56 p.m. March 16
New CDC protocol
According to Hays County, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have changed protocol for coronavirus testing. All positive tests at commercial labs or state labs are now considered a confirmed positive case and don't require CDC confirmation.
2:17 p.m. March 16
Emergency meeting
The Hays County Commissioners Court will hold an emergency session to consider extending the emergency disaster declaration issued by Judge Ruben Becerra on March 15. Emergency declarations are only valid for even days, according to state law.
2:07 p.m. March 16
Second case in Hays
A second case of coronavirus was reported in Hays County, according to epidemiologist Eric Schneider. The adult patient was tested at a clinic and is under self-quarantine at home until they are without fever for 48 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
1:57 p.m. March 16
Buda library closed
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, the Buda Public Library will be closed to the public and volunteers, according to a release from the city. The library will continue curbside service and more details about making appointments to use library computers will be offered soon. No fines will accrue on any items while the library is closed.
