To help minimize the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, elected officials in San Marcos have created access to personal hygiene needs for the public, including those experiencing homelessness, by installing sanitizing stations around the city.

Starting April 9, portable restrooms, sink stations and hand sanitizer stations will be open for the general public at Southside Community Center and at the lot next to the at dog park at 250 Charles Austin St., San Marcos. Both locations will have one ADA-compliant portable restroom, according to an April 8 press release from the city.

To clean the sanitation stations, professional service technicians will wear personal protective equipment, use medical-grade disinfectant sanitation products and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The stations will be cleaned seven days per week.

“Providing equitable access to basic hygiene needs is a critical way to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 across all communities," San Marcos City Manager Bert Lumbreras said in a statement.