STAY HOME - WORK SAFE
ORDER 20200324-007
BY
THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN
Whereas, on March 6, 2020, a Declaration of Local Disaster was issued by Mayor Steve
Adler to allow the City of Austin to take measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID19 and promote the health and safety of Austin residents; and
Whereas, on March 13, 2020, a Declaration of State of Disaster was issued by Governor
Abbott to take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to
protect the health and welfare of Texans; and
Whereas, the COVID-19 virus is contagious and spreads through person-to-person
contact, especially in group settings; and
Whereas, on March IS, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC")
recommended that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events
that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States; and
Whereas, on March 16, 2020, President Trump acknowledged the gravity of the COVID19 pandemic, releasing strict new guidelines to limit people's interactions, including that
Americans should avoid groups of more than 10 people; and
Whereas, on March 19, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA 08 Relating
to COVID-19 Preparedness and Mitigation stating people shall avoid social gatherings in groups
of more than 10 people and closed all schools until April 3, 2020; and
Whereas, on March 20, 2020, and March 21,2020 due to the substantial risks to the public,
Mayor Steve Adler issued an order deeming it in the public interest to prohibit anywhere in the
City of Austin, Social Gatherings of more than 10 people; and also to prohibit gatherings of more
than 10 people for other than social purposes, unless social distancing could be maintained and
controlled; and to identify critical infrastructure;
Whereas, further restriction of movement of persons is necessary to reduce the substantial
risk of harm to the public and, therefore, as long as this Order is in effect, all individuals anywhere
in the City of Austin are required to shelter in place, except to perform certain essential activities,
or to perform work in or obtain services from an Essential Business, Essential Government
Service, or in Critical Infrastructure.

NOW THEREFORE, I, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, PURSUANT TO
THE AUTHORITY VESTED BY TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 418,
HEREBY FIND AND ORDER THAT:

Page 1 of9

 SECTION 1. Stay at Home or Place of Residence. Effective as of II :59 p.m. on March
24, 2020, and continuing until April 13, 2020, unless tenninated or modified by a subsequent
Order, the Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, deems it in the public interest to issue this Order
and ORDERS that all individuals currently living within the City of Austin shelter at their place
of residence except as allowed by this Order. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor
spaces, they shall, to the greatest extent feasible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from
any other person, consistent with the Social Distancing Requirements, as defined in Section 6
below, and as is set out in the Austin!rravis County Health Authority Requirements in Exhibit A,
incorporated in this Order by reference. All persons may leave their residences only to perfonn
certain Essential Activities, to perfonn work in or obtain services from an Essential Business,
Essential Government Service, or in Critical Infrastructure, or to engage in Essential Travel or
Minimum Basic Operations all as defined in Section 6 below.
SECTION 2. Non-Essential Business and Operations Must Cease. All businesses or
operations with a facility in the City of Austin, except Essential Businesses and Essential
Government Functions as defined in Section 6 below, are required to cease all activities at facilities
located within the City except Minimum Basic Operations as defined in Section 6 below. For
clarity, businesses may also continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or
contractors perfonning activities at their own residences (i.e., working from home).
All Essential Businesses Essential Government Service, and Critical Infrastructure.
are strongly encouraged to remain open, especially those that provide the basic necessities for
food, water, and shelter. To the greatest extent feasible, Essential Businesses shall comply with
Social Distancing Requirements as defined in Section 6 below.
This Order shall not be construed to hinder the ability of the industries identified in the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency's ("CISA")
Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce Memorandum dated March 19,2020 to continue their
operation appropriately modified to account for CDC workforce and consumer protection
guidance, and the list of industries identified on that memorandum is incorporated in this Order by
reference.
SECTION 3. Prohibited Activities. All public and private gatherings of any number of
people occurring outside a single household or dwelling unit are prohibited, except for the limited
purposes as expressly pennitted by this Order. Nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of
members of a household or dwelling unit.
SECTION 4. Travel. All travel, including, but not limited to, travel on foot, bicycle,
scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit, is prohibited except for purposes of Essential
Travel, perfonning Essential Activities or going to work in an Essential Business, Government
Facility, or Critical Infrastructure. as defined in Section 6 below. To the greatest extent feasible,
people riding on public transit shall comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in
Section 6 below.

Page 2 of9

 SECTION 5. Prior Order. That the findings and recitations set out in the preamble to this
ORDER are found to be true and correct and they are hereby adopted by the Mayor and made a part
hereof for all purposes. This Order rescinds and replaces prior Order No. 20200321-006.
SECTION 6. Definitions and Exemptions.
a. Individuals experiencing homeless ness are exempt from this Order except that, to the
extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they shan, to the greatest extent
feasible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, consistent
with the Social Distancing Requirements, as defined in this Section, below. Individuals
experiencing homelessness are strongly urged to obtain shelter. Governmental and
other entities are strongly urged to make such shelter available as soon as possible and
to the maximum extent practicable and to use COVID-19 risk mitigation practices in
their operation.
b. Essential Activities. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence
only to perform any of the fonowing "Essential Activities." But people at high risk of
severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their
residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care.
I.

For Health and Safety. Individuals may engage in activities or perform tasks
essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or
household members (including, but not limited to, pets), to work for or obtain
services at any "Healthcare Operations," as defined in Section 6.f.i., below;

11.

For Necessary Supplies and Services. Individuals may obtain necessary
services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or
to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only
and without limitation, groceries and food, including pet supplies and food,
supplies they need to work from home, household consumer products, and
products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of
residences;

111.

For Outdoor Activity. Individuals may engage in outdoor activity, such as, by
way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running
provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as
defined in this Section;

IV.

For Certain Types of Work. Individuals may perform work providing
essential products and services at an Essential Business, Government Service,
or Critical Infrastructure, or to otherwise carry out activities specifically
permitted in this Order, including Minimum Basic Operations; or

v.

To Take Care of Others. Individuals may care for a family member or pet in
another household.

Page 3 of9

 c. Critical Infrastructure. As defined in Exhibit B, incorporated in this Order by
reference.
d. Essential Government Functions. All sworn Police Department, Fire Department,
and Emergency Medical Services personnel, emergency management personnel, and
emergency dispatchers; all court personnel, child protection and child welfare
personnel; all military personnel; all personnel working for companies (including their
subcontractors) who perform under contract to the Department of Defense providing
materials and services to the Department of Defense; all personnel working for
companies (including their subcontractors) who perform work under contract to State
or Federal Governmental Entities for which they are required under state or federal law
to remain open; and all law enforcement personnel, housing and shelter personnel, and
others working for or to support Essential Businesses or Critical Infrastructure are
categorically exempt from this Order. This Order does not apply to the Federal or State
Government.
For purposes of this Order, "Essential Government Functions" means all services
needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies and provide for
the health, safety and welfare of the public and all agencies that provide for the health,
safety and welfare of the public. Each governmental body shall determine its Essential
Government Functions and identifY employees and/or contractors necessary to perform
those functions. To the extent feasible, all Essential Governmental Functions shall be
performed in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section,
e. Businesses Covered by this Order. For the purposes ofthis Order, covered businesses
include any for-profit, non-profit, or educational entities, regardless ofthe nature of the
service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure.
f.

Essential Businesses. For the purposes of this Order, "Essential Businesses" means:
I.

Healthcare Operations. Healthcare Operations and Critical Infrastructure,
including but not limited to caregivers, hospital and laboratory personnel, and
pharmacy employees, including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies,
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities,
healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health
providers, and related retail sales or any related and/or ancillary health care
services. "Healthcare Operations" also includes veterinary care and all
healthcare and life-saving services provided to animals. This shall be construed
broadly to avoid any impacts to the delivery of healthcare, broadly defined.
"Healthcare Operations" does not include fitness and exercise gyms or other
similar facilities and does not include retail outlets that specialize in the selling
of electronic cigarette products or cannabidiol products;

II.

Stores that sell Groceries and Certain Other Essential Supplies. Grocery
stores, supermarkets, big-box stores, farmers' markets, food banks,
convenience stores, liquor stores and other establishments engaged in the retail
Page 4 of9

 sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh
meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as
cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and
also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the
safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
111.

Food Cultivation. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;

IV.

Social Services and Charitable Organizations. Businesses that provide food,
shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically
disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;

v.

News Media. Newspapers, television, radio, and other news media services;

vi.

Gas Stations and Businesses Needed for Transportation. Gas stations,
automobile dealerships, auto-manufacturing and assembly, auto-supply, autorepair, and other related facilities;

vii.

Financial Institutions. Banks and related financial institutions, consumer
lenders, sales and finance lenders, credit unions, appraisers, title companies,
pawnshops, entities that issue bonds, insurance companies, underwriters,
agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agents;

viii.

Hardware and Supply Stores. Hardware stores and businesses that sell
electrical, plumbing, and other material necessary to support Essential
Businesses, Critical Infrastructure, and Essential Government Functions;

IX.

Critical Trades. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, pool cleaners, and other
service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the
safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, essential activities,
Essential Businesses, Essential Government Functions, or Critical
Infrastructure, including but not limited to utilities such as electricity, gas, water
and wastewater, and other public works;

x.

Mail and Delivery Services. Businesses providing mailing and shipping
services, including post office boxes;

xi.

Laundry Services. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers;

XII.

Restaurants for Consumption Off-Premises. Restaurants and other facilities
that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out. Schools and other
entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the
public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition that the food is
provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis
only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption
shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any
other gathering site;

Page 5 of9

 xiii.

Supplies to Work from Home. Businesses that supply products needed for
people to work from home;

xiv.

Supplies for Essential Businesses, Critical Infrastructure and Essential
Government Functions. Businesses that supply other Essential Businesses,
Critical Infrastructure, and Essential Government Functions with the support,
supplies, or components necessary to operate including but not limited to
computers, audio and video electronics, microelectronics, semiconductors,
hardware, paint, electrical and plumbing material, sanitary equipment, medical
equipment, and food and beverages;

xv.

Food Delivery Services. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods
or services directly to residences;

XVI.

Transportation. Aircraft, taxis, and other private transportation providers
(such as Uber and Lyft) that provide transportation services necessary for the
performance of essential activities, Essential Businesses, Critical Infrastructure,
Essential Government Functions, or Essential Travel;

xvii.

Home-Based Care and Services. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or
children, including caregivers who may travel to provide care;

XVIll.

Residential Facilities and Shelters. Residential facilities and shelters for
seniors, adults, children, and animals;

XIX.

Professional Services. Professional services, such as legal or accounting
services, insurances services, and real estate services when necessary to assist
in compliance with legally mandated activities or to further Essential
Businesses, Essential Government functions, or Critical Infrastructure;

xx.

Information Technology Services. IT and IT services and their essential
services vendors, including the provision of essential global, national, and local
infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications,
web-based services, and critical manufacturing as well as telecommunications
services, internet access, and broadband/communications services;

XXI.

Moving Supply Services. Businesses that provide residential and/or
commercial moving services and necessary moving supplies;

XXII.

Hotels and Motels. Hotels and motels, to the extent used for lodging or
delivery or carry-out food services;

XXIll.

Funeral Services. Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and
related services, provided that social distancing of six feet per person is
maintained to the greatest extent possible;

Page 6of9

 xxiv.

Educational Institutions. Educational institutions- including public and
private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities- for purposes of facilitating
distance learning, perfonning critical research, or perfonning other essential
functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained
to the greatest extent possible; and

xxv.

Childcare Facilities. Childcare facilities providing services that enable
individuals exempted in this Order to work as pennitted. To the extent possible,
childcare facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:
I. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 10 or fewer ("stable"

means that the same 10 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each .group
shall be in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with each other.
4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.
g. Minimum Basic Operations. For the purposes of this Order, "Minimum Basic
Operations" include the following, provided that employees comply with Social
Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, to the extent possible, while
carrying out such operations:

i. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business's
inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related
functions; or
11.

The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being
able to continue to work remotely from their residences.

h. Essential Travel. For the purposes of this Order, "Essential Travel" includes travel for
any of the following purposes. Individuals engaged in any Essential Travel must
comply with all Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section.

i.

Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities, Essential
Governmental Functions, Essential Businesses, Critical Infrastructure, or
Minimum Basic Operations;

11.

Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other
vulnerable persons;

iii. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials
for distance learning, for receiving meals, or any other related services;
IV.

Travel to return from or to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction
(e.g., returning home from a closing university);

v. Travel required by law enforcement or court order;
Page 7 of9

 VI.

Travel by church staff/clergy for the purpose producing of remote delivery of
religious services or other ministries requiring travel; or

vii. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside
the City. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verifY that their transportation
out of the City remains available and functional prior to commencing such
travel.
1.

Residences. For purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rental
units, and similar facilities.

j.

Social Distancing Requirements. For purposes of this Order Social Distancing
Requirements include maintaining at least a six-foot distance from other individuals,
washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or
using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands),
regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.

SECTION 7. The City of Austin SUSPENDS all deadlines imposed by City Code,
ordinance, rule, or other regulation until May I, 2020.
SECTION 8. Enforcement. Peace officers, City of Austin Code Department inspectors,
and the Office of the Austin Fire Marshal, are hereby authorized to enforce this order. Persons
who violate this Order violate Austin City Code section 2-6-24. A violation of this order may be
punishable through criminal or civil enforcement. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a
fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days. A violation
of this order may be enforced by the filing of a probable cause affidavit alleging the criminal
violation with the appropriate court or by issuing a citation to the person violating, that contains
written notice of the time and place the person must appear before a magistrate of this state, the
name and address of the person charged, and the offense charged.
SECTION 9 Posting of this Order. The Austin Public Health Department will post this
Order on its website.
SECTION 10. Savings Clause. If any provision of this Order or its application to any
person or circumstance is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or
unconstitutional, then the reminder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision
to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect.
To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.

Page 8of9

 ORDERED this the 24th day of March, 2020, in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas,
in witness whereof I subscribe my name and cause to be affixed the seal of the City of Austin.

Filed with me, the City Clerk ofthe City of Austin, this 24th day of March, 2020, by Mayor
Steve Adler, whose signature I hereby attest under my hand and the seal of the City of Austin.

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Page 90f9

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City Clerk

 Exhibit A
AustinlTravis County Health Authority Requirements
1) COVID-19 Positive Individuals, Suspected Positives, those being tested, and
Household Members
• COVID-19 Positive Individuals, Suspected Positives, those currently being tested, and
Untested Individuals with cough and/or fever:
o Prohibited from leaving residence without a surgical or similar mask to prevent
the spread to others.
o The following activities are permitted while wearing a mask:
• Seeking emergency medical care related or unrelated to COVIO- I 9. In
doing so, you shall notify first responders at the time of the call to 91 I
or prior to presentation to other healthcare resources.
• Walking or exercising alone in the immediate vicinity of your residence.
o Prohibited from leaving Travis County without prior notification to Austin
Public Health at APH.Preparcdness@austintexas.gov.
o Shall practice social distancing within the residence, observe hygiene practices
for prevention of household spread in accordance with CDC guidelines
o Shall notify Austin Public Health at APH.Preparedness@austintexas.gov if the
residence does not allow for physical separation from other household contacts
(separate room)
o Shall notify Austin Public Health at APH.Preparedness@austintexas.gov if a
member of your household is over the age of60 and/or if they have underlying
medical conditions identified by the CDC of increasing the risk of
complications from COVIO- I 9
o Shall remain in home quarantine for no less than 7 days following the onset of
their illness and at least three days (72 hours) after the conclusion of their illness
(resolution of fever without medications and improvement in cough and
shortness of breath).
• Household Members of COVIO- I 9 Positive Individuals, Suspected Positives, those
currently being tested, or Untested Individuals with cough and/or fever.
o Prohibited from leaving residence without a surgical or similar mask to prevent
the spread to others.
o The following activities are permitted while wearing a mask:
• Seeking emergency medical care related or unrelated to COVIO-19. In
doing so, you shall notify first responders at the time of the call to 91 I
or prior to presentation to other health care resources.
• Walking or exercising alone in the immediate vicinity of your residence.
o Prohibited from leaving Travis County without prior notification to Austin
Public Health at APH.Preparedness@austintexas.gov.
o Shall practice social distancing within the residence, observe hygiene practices
for prevention of household spread in accordance with CDC guidelines
o Shall notify Austin Public Health at APH.Preparedness@austinte'(as.gov if the
residence does not allow for physical separation from other household contacts
(separate room)
Page 1 of3

 a

a

Shall notify Austin Public Health at APH.Preparedness@austintexas.gov or
your Primary Care Provider if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID19 as defined by the CDC.
Shall remain in home quarantine for no less than 14 days following the last
exposure to individuals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

2) Vulnerable Populations Shall Limit Outings
• Vulnerable populations include people who:
o Are 60 years old and older; or
o Have certain health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney
disease, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS) and weakened immune systems.
• For vulnerable populations, don't go to group gatherings unless it is essential. If you
can telecommute, you should. Avoid people who are sick.
3) Workplace and Businesses, if allowed, shall Minimize Exposure
• Suspend nonessential employee travel.
• Prohibit employees working within six (6) feet of one another, unless necessary to
provide continuity of Essential Activities, including minimizing or canceling in-person
meetings and conferences.
• Require employees to stay home when they are sick and maximize flexibility in sick
leave benefits.
• Permit sick employees to stay home without providing a doctor's note.
• Utilize telecommuting options to minimize person-to-person interaction.
• Alter schedules for employees so not all employees are present at one time but are
present at alternative days and times, unless necessary to provide continuity of Essential
Activities.
• Shall ensure that queuing inside and outside of the business, facility or workplace can
maintain and control six (6) feet of separation between customers.
4) Essential Activities and Gatherings
• Except as permitted by the Order, all other private or public gatherings are prohibited
while this Order is in effect and should be postponed to the future.
• At a minimum for all Essential Activities, the following is required during the entire
duration of the activity:
a Do not attend any activity if sick;
o Have hand washing capabilities, hand sanitizers, and tissues available;
o Frequently cleaning high-touch surface areas like countertops, doorknobs, and
handrails; and
a Physical space (minimize of six (6) feet between people) must be maintained to
minimize close contact as much as possible.
5) Schools and Daycare: Safety First
• Do not have your child attend school or childcare if sick.
• If you have a child with chronic health conditions, consult the child' s doctor about
school and childcare attendance.
Page 2 of3

 •
•
•
•
•

Frequent re-education of students and staff regarding personal hygiene measures
(handwashing, etc.) and ensuring that appropriate signs are posted.
Schools and childcares shall equip all rooms with hand sanitizers and tissues.
Reschedule or cancel events that are not essential, even if the events would otherwise
comply with the Order.
Explore remote teaching and online options to continue learning.
Schools should develop a plan for citywide school closures and families should prepare
accordingly, including preparation for the possibility of closure.

6) Grocery Stores, Pharmacies and Liquor Stores shall:
• Establish controls to require a minimum of six feet of distance between patrons in lines
queuing outside and inside stores. Controls may include, but are not limited to,
requiring each person to take a shopping cart or placing markers on the floor.
• Increase the use and capability of drive-thru, curbside, or delivery services.
• Limit or restrict the number of customers permitted in a store at one time.
• Minimize the number of employees working within six (6) feet of one another.
• Provide hand washing capabilities, hand sanitizers, and tissues.
• Frequently clean high-touch surface areas like countertops, doorknobs, and handrails.

Page 3 of3

 EXHIBIT B
Critical Infrastructure Designations and Obligations

I. "Critical Infrastructure" is defined as all public and private facilities and assets,
including both physical and cyber systems, and other functions and sectors vital to the
security, governance, public health, safety, and economic continuity of the City of
Austin.

2. Critical Infrastructure, includes but is not limited to the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.

e.
f.

g.
h.
I.

J.
k.
I.

m.
n.
o.
p.

q.

banking and financial institutions;
transit and transit facilities, transportation services, equipment and facilities;
power, water, telecommunications, natural gas, and public utilities;
critical manufacturing including components for primary metals, machinery,
electrical equipment and components, health and safety products and equipment,
and transportation equipment;
auto and vehicle parts manufacturing and assembly plants;
technology manufacturing companies;
information and communications, including press;
emergency services;
public health and medical services;
fire and law enforcement;
public works;
agriculture and food;
airport facilities and operations;
sanitation services;
other City government buildings or facilities, as designated by the City
Manager;
Construction, including public works construction, and construction of affordable
housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, social services
construction, and other construction that supports essential uses, including essential
businesses, government functions, or critical infrastructure, or otherwise as required
in response to this public health emergency; and
Personnel and industries identified in the u.s. Department of Homeland Security
Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency's ("CISA") Essential Critical
Infrastructure Workforce Memorandum dated March 19, 2020_to continue their
operation appropriately modified to account for CDC workforce and consumer
protection guidance.

3. Recommendations for Employees:
a. Employees who work in and around Critical Infrastructure should refrain from
reporting to work when falling within any of the following criteria and should
Page lof3

 follow the initial self-quarantine recommendations:
i.
Has signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cough,
shortness of breath, or sore throat;
ii.
Has a fever greater than 99.6°F;
iii.
In the previous 14 days has had contact with someone with a
confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and did not have the appropriate
personal protective equipment designated by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC); is under investigation for COVID-19;
or is ill with a respiratory illness; or
iv.
has traveled to an area the World Health Organization or CDC
considers a "Hotspot."

4. REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS:
a. Employers include public and private employers located and operating in and out of
Critical Infrastructure. To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace,
employers shall only adhere to the recommendations described in this Order to
determine risk of COVID-19. Employers should contact their own human resources
advisors and shall not make determinations of risk based on race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital
status, student status, creed, national origin. To the extent possible, employers
should maintain confidentiality of people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
b. Employers shall follow the Requirements in Exhibits A and B, as applicable.
c. Employers shall only allow persons in and around Critical Infrastructure that are:
(I) employees not subject to any of the criteria in 3.a. above, (2) customers or
members of the public to the extent Social Distancing can be maintained and the
Requirements in Exhibit A are followed, and (3) persons with legal authority to
enter such as law enforcement.
d. Prior to allowing employees into its facility, employers shall ask all employees if
they meet any of the criteria in 3.a. above, and shall direct employees to return
home ifthe employee is exhibiting symptoms and presenting a threat of infecting
other empIoyees at the Critical Infrastructure facility.
e. Employers shall immediately separate an employee who becomes sick or
demonstrates a temperature greater than 99.6°F while at work from other employees
and send that employee home.

f. Human resources departments at Critical Infrastructure facilities shall create
alternate work plans to help employees remain productive while keeping the
workforce safe and healthy.

Page 20f3

 g. Employers are strongly encouraged to require employees (either those exhibiting
symptoms or all employees) to undergo non-invasive temperature readings prior to
entering a Critical Infrastructure facility; however, employers are not mandated to
take the temperature of employees prior to entrance to its facility. If the
employer does take employees' temperatures and/or has first-hand knowledge that
the employee's temperature exceeds 99.6°F, then the employer shall prohibit the
employee from entering the facility or property.
h. Employers shall create and implement an infectious disease response plan.
5. FUTURE REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPERATURE SCREENING OF CRITICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE EMPLOYEES.
When there are sufficient supplies and a need is detennined by the Health Authority, it
may be ordered that employers screen the temperature of all employees entering facilities.
Notice of this requirement will be posted on AustinfTravis County Public Health
Authority and the Travis County websites. Whenever possible, the Health Authority will
attempt to provide written notice by email to impacted entities

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