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Elizabeth Pagano is the editor of the Austin Monitor.
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City breaks down new state pandemic rules
Monday, May 4, 2020 by Elizabeth Pagano
Those confused about how to should behave now that a statewide stay-home order has been lifted are not alone. Gov. Greg Abbott’s pandemic response order largely overrides the city’s measures and allows for the limited reopening of some industries including retail shops, dine-in restaurants, libraries and shopping centers. To complement the orders, the city has released a FAQ that clarifies how the current rules apply to garage sales (still not cool), wedding venues and funerals. The city also offers some clarity on social gatherings: “Current city, county, and state stay-home orders require individuals to minimize social gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. This means social gatherings are not permitted and people may leave their homes only to provide or access an essential business or activity or a reopened service, to engage in essential travel, or to participate in permitted outdoor physical activity.” As of Friday, the date of the additional guidance, the city had yet to determine when city facilities would reopen, though public swimming pools remain closed under the state order. The city guide also states that private businesses may require the use of face masks or face coverings.
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