HARRIS, TRAVIS COUNTIES CLOSE BARS, RESTAURANT DINING ROOMS IN LATEST COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Bars and restaurant dining rooms in Houston and Austin are now closed, following new coronavirus restrictions put into place by leaders in Harris and Travis Counties.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt signed twin orders putting those restrictions in place, including prohibiting gatherings of ten or more people, aligning recommendations made by President Donald Trump.
The restrictions took effect today (Tuesday) at noon, and will stay in place until May 1st. Violating the order brings with it a $1,000 fine.
Meanwhile, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo have ordered the closure of bars and clubs. Restaurants must only provide drive-thru and delivery services, and shut down any dining areas.
Those restrictions, which began today at 8 a.m., did not put limits on gatherings of more than ten people.
The restrictions on gatherings do not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies.