Austin on the first day of shelter-in-place Credit: photo by John Anderson

As expected, the shelter-in-place orders for Austin and Travis County that were set to expire today, Monday, April 13, at midnight have been extended. The social distancing and self-isolation mandate has been the city’s chief weapon against the spread of COVID-19.

Originally issued March 24, the “Stay Home, Work Safe” orders require city and county residents to shelter in their place of residence; requires nonessential businesses and operations to cease activities at facilities unless otherwise exempted; prohibits all public and private gatherings outside of a single household or dwelling unit; and prohibits travel except for essential activities or essential work.

The city and county have made modifications to the orders, the most notable being a requirement to wear a face covering in public. (Fabric stores have been added to the list of essential businesses.)

The new orders extend through May 8. Williamson County has also extended its shelter-in-place order, through April 30.

As of April 12, the city reports 774 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Travis County and nine deaths.

Have questions about what’s an essential activity or business? Consult our Infographic Guide to Sheltering at Home.

Click here to download a high-res version.

Credit: infographic by Jason Stout

This article appears in April 10 • 2020.

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A graduate of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, Kimberley has written about film, books, and pop culture for The Austin Chronicle since 2000. She was named Editor of the Chronicle in 2016; she previously served as the paper’s Managing Editor, Screens Editor, Books Editor, and proofreader. Her work has been awarded by the Association of Alternative Newsmedia for excellence in arts criticism, team reporting, and special section (Best of Austin). The Austin Alliance for Women...