MARBLE FALLS, Texas (March 25, 2020) – Burnet County Judge James Oakley, upon the recommendation of the Burnet County Local Health Authority and supported by all the Mayors of incorporated municipalities within Burnet County, issued a “Stay in Place and Stay Safe” Order effective at 11:59 pm today, Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
According to Dr. Madrigal, Burnet County Health Authority, there are several people in the county exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 which is evidence of spreading. However, with a lack of testing capabilities additional cases cannot be confirmed. This Order is to help minimize the spread of the virus.
The Order states that all Burnet County residents are restricted to stay at their place of residence and only leave their residence for Essential Travel and Activities. Residents may continue to engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family members and pets (i.e. obtaining groceries, medications and visits to doctors). Residents are also encouraged to engage in outdoor activities, providing they follow the “Social Distancing” protocol (i.e. walking, hiking, fishing, and boating).
The Order also restricts business activity within the County to minimum basic operations, with the exception of Essential Businesses. You may view the Order at www.marblefallstx.gov/newsflash. The Order includes a list of Essential Businesses and other pertinent information for local businesses.
Please take the time to read the Order as well as the Frequently Asked Questions as many definitions and exceptions are included in the Order as well as a list of Essential Travel. For questions regarding the Order, please contact Burnet County at 512-756-5420. Please do not call Marble Falls Police Communications or 911.
The City of Marble Falls would like to remind our residents and business owners that…
- Marble Falls City Offices are conducting business during regular business hours; however, doors have been closed to the public in order to minimize face-to-face contact (also called “social distancing”). Staff is operating under alternate schedules and staffing levels to ensure City essential services continue.
- Utility Customers have several options to make payments:
- Place payment in drop box located outside on the west side of City Hall at any time or in the drop box located in the City Hall foyer during regular business hours.
- Pay online at www.marblefallstx.gov
- Pay by phone (855) 355-6241 – credit card only (Fees assessed by the City will be waived)
- Public Restrooms in the City Parks and in the Downtown District (Harmony Park) have been closed.
- Open Meetings will be held when necessary via telephone conference utilizing Zoom in order to allow the public to participate. Information regarding citizen participation will be posted on each published meeting agenda.
- First Responders are continuing to answer calls. A process has been put in place to improve the safety of our community and our First Responders.
- Restaurants are encouraged to continue to offer food for take-out and by delivery as long as they follow the proper Social Distancing protocols. Visit www.marblefallseconomy.com for take-out and delivery options.
- The Food and Drug Administration has reported that they are seeing unauthorized fraudulent home test kits for COVID-19. Please be advised that the FDA has not approved any tests for at home COVID-19 testing.
- Gatherings of groups of ten (10) or more people are prohibited by order of Governor Abbott and Burnet County Judge Oakley.
- Religious and worship services may only be provided by video and teleconference. Religious organizations must limit in-person staff to ten (10) people or less when preparing for and conducting video or teleconference services and must follow the Social Distancing requirements.
City Officials and Marble Falls Emergency Management are in constant contact with Public Health, Texas Emergency Management, and local officials in coordination to address our response to COVID-19.
What can you do?
- Wash your hands often or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home unless essential travel is necessary
- Cover cough and sneezes or use the inside of your elbow
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
Stay informed through www.cdc.gov or www.dshs.texas.gov.
Although our contact with the public will be slightly different than usual, the City of Marble Falls will continue to provide quality services to our community. Thank you for your support and understanding. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates on the City’s website (www.marblefallstx.gov) as they become available.
