Covid emergency rules extended

Amid what Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott calls “a significantly worsening situation,” the health authority has extended emergency rules designed to help slow the spread of Covid-19. Last week, he said the region “reported the highest number of new cases since September. We are up over 140 percent in a little over a month, and 60 percent in the past week.” The rules, which expire on Dec. 31, 2020, were adopted as authorized by Ordinance No. 2020709-003, and “govern individuals and sites within the City of Austin and impose requirements reasonably necessary to protect public health from Covid-19 during this critical moment of transmission.” The emergency rules are separate from the city and county orders.