City Council unanimously voted March 19 to extend the local disaster declaration issued by Mayor Dale Ross on March 14 through May 11.
The order’s primary purpose is to allow the City to take necessary steps to limit the development and spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city based on information provided by public health agencies.
The original order followed disaster declarations by the President of the United States, the Texas Governor, and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell. The extension follows a March 18 order from Judge Gravell, which limits gatherings of 10 or more and closed County facilities through May 11. Judge Gravell issued the order in response to the first confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Williamson County.
The declaration allows the City to allocate resources, reorganize personnel, and enact procedures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Georgetown. It also allows for state assistance to be requested if local resources are insufficient.
As of today, more than 10,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 150 deaths from the disease have been reported in the United States. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reported a total of 143 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three deaths in the State of Texas, as of March 19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects more cases of COVID-19 to be identified in the United States in the coming weeks.
Local COVID-19 information
The City has closed all City facilities to the public, effective 8 a.m. March 19 through May 11. This closure includes the main lobbies of the Public Safety Operations and Training Center, Georgetown Municipal Complex (GMC), and City Hall.
Staff are prepared to continue providing services via telephone, email, and other digital means. For department contact information, please refer to the City directory. Additionally, the City is preparing to implement a continuity of operations plan if such steps are needed to protect public health.
The City continues to coordinate daily with local, regional, and state partners and adjust its response in the best interest of the health and safety of our community. The City regularly updates its central COVID-19 webpage with answers to frequently asked questions and other resources and information for residents.
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical care.
