Llano, TX- 5:00 PM-
On October 7, 2020 Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-32 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/govdocs/Greg%20Abbott/2020/GA-32.pdf. This order pertains to allowing certain bars and similar establishments to operate at 50% capacity providing they follow the guidelines established in GA-32 and with permission from the County Judge. The Governor's Executive Order also increases the occupancy levels for all business establishments other than bars to 75%.
Governor Abbott’s order is allowing bars and similar establishments to reopen in counties who are situated within Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Trauma Service Area (TSA) where 15% or less of the hospitalizations are COVID-19 related patients. Llano County is assigned within TSA-O, which is an 11-county region and includes Williamson, Travis, and Hays counties.
The highest percentage of COVID-19 related hospitalizations for TSA-O was on July 20, 2020 with 23%. Since that time, the percentage has declined to a COVID-19 hospitalization rate 2.9% as of September 11, 2020. After consultation with the Llano County Local Health Authority, Llano County Sheriff Bill Blackburn, and the mayors of Llano and Horseshoe Bay Llano County will allow bars or similar establishments to operate with in-person service, provided that the businesses follow recommended minimum standard health protocols.
Under the newest order, bars and similar establishments, who chose to open, must keep dance floors closed, tables must be limited to six individuals or less and all establishments must follow specific curfew guidelines. Consistent with protocols for restaurants, all persons, who chose to patronize these establishments, must be seated while eating or drinking and must wear masks when they are not seated at a table. Additionally, The COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced through spot-checks by law enforcement. If an establishment is not following the protocols established by Governor Abbott, it will be closed by the County Judge until further notice.
It is important citizens and visitors of Llano County understand that opening bars and similar establishments does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a threat. We continue to urge all those who live and visit Llano County to remain vigilant and show personal responsibility to protect themselves and our community members.
For additional information regarding Llano County’s preparation and response, please see www.co.llano.tx.us or contact Emergency Management Coordinator- Gilbert Bennett at 325-247-2039 or email at: gbennett@co.llano.tx.us
DSHS has additional information on COVID-19 for the public, health care professionals, health departments and labs at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus