Whether the restrictions remain active into March will be evaluated by the city in February, a news release said.
The decision to extend closures a second time was also based upon the ratio of hospital patients receiving treatment for the coronavirus.
Trauma Service Area O, which includes Hays County, reported the area's hospitalization ratio of COVID-19 patients dropped below 15% on Jan. 23 for the first time in 20 days. It has remained below the 15% threshold for four days in a row, but it must remain below that level for seven consecutive days before heightened state-level restrictions are revoked. Facilities closed to the public include the City Hall complex, Activity Center, Animal Shelter, Municipal Court, Public Library, Grant Harris Building, San Marcos Tourist Information Center, Discovery Center, and utility billing counters at the Municipal Building and the San Marcos Electric Utility Office.
City staff will still assist residents by phone, email, curbside services and utility billing drive-thrus during normal business hours.
Parks and recreation
Parks and natural areas under city management will remain open to the public. Visitors are asked to practice social distancing and wear a mask when around people from outside of their household.
The San Marcos Parks and Recreation department plans to host virtual or socially distanced events, and a calendar with details for these events can be found online.
Animal shelter
Animal shelter transactions, such as adoptions, fosters and intake, will be conducted through curbside services while the facility is closed to the public.
Adoption appointments can be scheduled by email or by phone at 512-805-2657. Lost and found appointments are also scheduled online.
Utility billing assistance and drive-thrus
Email, call 512-393-8383 or visit the utility's website for assistance or payment arrangements.
The drive-thrus at the municipal building at 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, and the San Marcos Electric Utility office at 1040 Hwy. 123, San Marcos, will be open weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
