Austin-Travis County Extends COVID Restrictions Due To Omicron

Austin TX

14 December, 2021

3:56 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Austin plans to extend its COVID-19 restrictions that mandate masking in public schools and will impose penalties for violating the public order. The announcement comes a day after reports of the omicron variant was likely detected in Austin-Travis County. The Austin City Council and Travis County commissioners moved Tuesday to reauthorize the joint mandate ahead of the holidays in response to the omicron variant spreading in the community. The order is extended until at least June 10, though officials can vote to end the restrictions earlier. Tuesday's order also reauthorizes Austin and Travis County's risk-based guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Austin-Travis County remains in Stage 3, which means vaccinated people don't need to wear masks at outdoor gatherings or when dining or shopping. Vaccinated people who are at high risk of severe illness should continue masking. All vaccinated people should wear masks at indoor gatherings and when traveling, according to the county's health guidelines. Per the order, anyone on the campus of a public school over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask. That includes public schools, public charter schools and public colleges. Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order in May banning mask mandates, but its legality has gone back and forth in the courts. Officials said the order also allows for civil penalties for businesses that violate the guidelines. With the holidays approaching, health officials are concerned over hospitalizations and cases rising in the Austin Metro. Austin Public Health staff told city and county officials at their joint briefing Tuesday that cases are slightly rising in the Austin area, but also noted a rise in vaccinations. Roughly 70 percent of residents 5 and older are fully vaccinated here, and 28 percent of children have received at least one dose of the vaccine — well above the statewide average, according to county health data. APH advises anyone eligible to get vaccinated or schedule a booster shot — and suggests getting a COVID-19 test before and after traveling.