Here Are The WilCo Events Nixed Over Coronavirus

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County officials on Monday detailed some of the measures they have implemented to mitigate the potential spread of new coronavirus — including cancellation or postponement of mass gatherings and community events.

The suspension of events is aimed at curbing the potential spread of illness. Below is a list of events typically staged in Williamson County that have been canceled or postponed to a later date.:

• The ribbon cutting for the San Gabriel Ranch Bridge over Lackey Creek near Liberty Hill, Texas, originally planned for March 17 has been canceled.
• The Williamson County Expo Center has canceled all reserved and scheduled events. Staff will re-evaluate what will happen with events scheduled after April 12, every Monday and update accordingly, officials said.
• The Southwest Williamson County Regional Park has canceled all softball, soccer and cricket league practices and games.
• The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department canceled all pavilion rental reservations with group size of 50 or more for Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, Champion Park and Berry Springs and Park Reserve.
• Learn How to Fish, the county’s annual free-family-event, has been suspended and will be scheduled for a later date.
• Vern’s No Frills 5K held every third Saturday of the month at Berry Springs Park and Reserve has been cancelled for March 21.
• The Williamson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Summer Youth Resource Fair that was scheduled April 14, 2020 has been canceled.

Along with these event cancellations, Williamson County has implemented mitigation strategies to encourage social distancing. On Monday, WilCo Judge Bill Gravell issued an order banning gatherings of 50 or more that reflects guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

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In addition, officials said, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is following state orders and has suspended jail visitation until it is terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the March 13, 2020, disaster declaration Governor Greg Abbott signed is lifted or expires. Attorneys will be allowed visitations, but they will have to be screened prior to entering the facility, officials said.

On a related front, the county Juvenile Justice Center has enacted temporary procedures for phone visits only.

Related story: Coronavirus: WilCo Limits Crowd Sizes To Under 50 People

Officials noted the Williamson County Justice Center remains open to fulfill its essential mission; however, it is using mitigation strategies to reduce public gatherings in the building. Through April 1, judges are temporarily suspending jury trials to avoid the large gathering of potential jurors, and courts will limit activity in the courtroom to maintain no more than 20 people in the courtroom at a time, according to a press advisory.

Williamson County EMS is suspending all public education classes through Thursday, March 27. The department will follow CDC and WCCHD guidance before addressing when to restart these classes. Other public outreach activities, such as show-and-tell events and civilian ambulance rides, also are suspended.

"We appreciate our residents’ patience as we work to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and shift our resources to support our efforts in keeping everyone safe," county officials said in a prepared statement.

For updates, visit www.wilco.org/COVID-19.