According to a statement from Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra released last week included language that masks were mandatory and included a $1000 fine for businesses, their employees, and customers for each violation.

On Friday, June 19, Becerra walked back the threat of the fine against businesses.

The latest Executive Order GA-26 issued by Governor Greg Abbott stated there would be no civil or criminal penalty that will be imposed on individuals for failure to wear a face covering.

However, for individuals and businesses who cannot keep the 6-foot suggested social distancing, it is strongly suggested to wear masks.

On June 26, Governor Greg Abbott rolled back reopening efforts to “contain the spread of COVID-19.”

The executive order signed Friday morning included the following: 

• All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 
• Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
• Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
• Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.

The decision came after the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, according to the Governor’s Office. 

The rollback on reopening came one day after Gov. Abbott announced a temporary pause to additional reopening phases. 

On Thursday, June 25, Abbott’s office announced businesses that were permitted to open under the previous phases could continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Abbott also issued an executive order Thursday, which immediately suspended all elective surgeries in four of Texas’s largest counties: Travis, Bexar, Dallas and Harris.

The order is made in an effort to preserve hospital capacity as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

* Disclaimer: As this is a fast-moving situation, the information included below is provisional and subject to change.

Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said the County’s total of lab-confirmed cases includes 50 additional tests from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

NOTE: If residents were tested at a TDEM site, they will receive their results directly from that agency, not the Hays County Local Health Department.

NEWS ALERT UPDATE

HAYS COUNTY POSITIVE TEST BY AGE AND GENDER

U.S. & WORLDWIDE CORONAVIRUS CASE OVERVIEW

*UPDATED ON FRIDAY, JUNE 26, AT 3:18 PM
*Disclaimer: This data changes rapidly and might not reflect some cases still being reported.