County prohibits large gatherings, requires face coverings

Starting Saturday, Travis County residents will be required to wear a face covering inside a commercial space or outdoors if 6 feet of social distance is not possible. The order, issued by County Judge Sam Biscoe, also prohibits public gatherings in excess of 10 people except for certain operations outlined in the governor’s order earlier this month. On July 2, Gov. Greg Abbott amended his original order to limit outdoor gatherings to no more than 10 people except in the cases of religious services, child care service, local government operations, youth camps and recreational sports programs. Sporting events, swimming pools, water parks, amusement parks, museums, libraries, zoos and rodeos will continue to operate at 50 percent of their normal operating capacity. Demonstrations and protests were specifically called out as events where people are not excepted from wearing a mask. A violation of the gatherings order may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a criminal misdemeanor charge. Similarly, the facial covering requirement will be enforced first with a warning and then with a fine of up to $250. The county order is effective through Aug. 15.