WilCo Firms May Have To Reduce Occupancy Amid Growing Coronavirus

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Some Williamson County businesses may have to decrease their occupancy levels if an upward trend of hospitalizations from the coronavirus continues, officials said Thursday.

Specifically, county officials said, Texas Trauma Service Area (TSA) Region O encompassing the county has experienced a steady increase in people hospitalized due to the COVID-19 virus. Per Executive Order GA-32 issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, officials said, certain businesses may have to limit the number of customers they let into their premises at one time.

The gubernatorial order that went into effect on Oct. 14, 2020, states that when the Trauma Service Area has a high hospitalization rate, any business establishment that was allowed to operate at 75 percent occupancy limit must roll back to a 50 percent occupancy limit. A high hospitalization rate is defined in the Order as any TSA that has had seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of the total hospital capacity exceeds 15 percent, according to the order.

Region O’s hospitalization rate surpassed 15 percent on Sunday, according to health district officials, and has continued to increase since. Although a rollback has yet to be mandated, officials said, it is anticipated due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Williamson County will further notify residents in the event that the Texas Department of State Health Services issues a determination letter stating the region has become an area of high hospitalizations, officials added.

The notice could be issued as early as this coming Sunday based upon current hospitalization data.

In addition, the governor's order states that bars or similar establishments that are not restaurants cannot operate indoors on premises, but may offer drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options as authorized by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC), officials explained. The occupancy limit applies only to indoor and not outdoor areas, events, or establishments, although social distancing and other safety protocols must be followed, officials added.

A rollback to occupancy limits does not affect businesses such as religious services, local government operations, child care services, youth camps, recreation sports programs for youth and adults, public or private schools, and drive-in concerts, movies or similar events, which are listed as having no occupancy limit according to the Order. Personal-care and beauty services can operate with at least six feet of social distancing between work stations. For a list of all exempted businesses and events under the governor's order, click here.

“It has never been more crucial for us as a community to reduce the spread of this virus,” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "“We all must consistently follow the personal protective measures we have been emphasizing throughout the course of this pandemic. Please wear a mask, watch your distance around people outside your household, and wash your hands frequently. This is the best way to keep ourselves and our family members safe and reduce the number of people being hospitalized daily.”

According to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32, businesses that have been required to roll back to a 50 percent occupancy limit may return to 75 percent occupancy when the TSA hospitalization rate for COVID-19 returns to below 15 percent for seven consecutive days.

Additional information on GA-32 and data on hospitalizations is available from the Texas Department of State Health Services here.