The impact of the global novel coronavirus (aka COVID-19) pandemic is already being felt by the Austin restaurant scene. This started with the cancellation of the city’s biggest international event South by Southwest earlier this month. Then there’s official city-wide mandate that all restaurant dining rooms and bars are now closed through Friday, May 1, though restaurants are able to stay open for takeout and delivery service in the meantime. On top of that, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a similar statewide order too.
Similarly, Travis County and Austin officials issued a “stay home work safe” order that closed down all nonessential businesses (restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, liquor stores, and farmers markets are all considered essential.) It is effective as of Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. through Monday, April 13.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Austin/Travis County area is over 700 as of now, and the number continues to grow each day.
For the latest updates on coronavirus in the city, check out the Austin Public Health website for further information.