COVID Info

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE, April 26, 2021

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn moreHERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

NEW GUIDANCE ON RE-OPENING AND MASK MANDATE, March 5, 2021

Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34 stating that, effective March 10, 2021, all restrictions on business occupancy in areas that do not have high hospitalizations will be lifted and the statewide mask mandate will end. The order encourages all Texans to continue to practice social distancing and the use of masks when that is not feasible. Learn more HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE, March 1, 2021

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn moreHERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

NEW GUIDANCE ON QUARANTINING & MAP OF TESTING LOCATIONS, December 10, 2020

Austin Public Health (APH) has released updated guidance on COVID-19 quarantining to reflect changes recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week. The guidance on how long to quarantine after close contact with COVID-19 is available HERE. A map of COVID-19 test locations in the greater Austin area is available HERE. For additional information, please visit https://www.traviscountytx.gov/news/2020/1945-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-information or http://austintexas.gov/covid19.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE, December 8, 2020

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn moreHERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

GOVERNOR ISSUES ORDER FURTHER EASING RESTRICTIONS ON BARS, BUSINESSES, October 7, 2020

Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA 32 relating to the continued response to COVID-19 as Texas reopens. Bars are allowed to open to 50% capacity if authorized by the county judge. Other businesses such as amusement parks, theaters, zoos, etc. can increase from 50% to 75% operating capacity if the hospitalizations in their area remain below a certain rate as defined in the order. Learn more HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE, October 5, 2020

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn more HERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

NEW ORDERS ISSUED FOR TRAVIS COUNTY, September 24, 2020

Standing orders by the Travis County Justices of the Peace regarding eviction cases were modified, extending to December 31, 2020 the abatement of eviction proceedings if the sole grounds for eviction are non-payment of rent and the amount is less that $2,475. Learn more HERE.

Travis County Judge Samuel Biscoe issued Order 2020-17 regarding open childcare programs and specified that it applies to all cities and municipalities in Travis County through December 15th. The order directs that childcare programs must comply with the Austin Public Health guidelines for Open Child Care Programs, and covers reporting of confirmed cases, communications with parents and staff, face coverings, group sizes and enrolling new children. Learn more HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE, September 22, 2020

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn more HERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

GOVERNOR ALLOWS BUSINESSES TO EXPAND CAPACITY, September 17, 2020

Gov. Greg Abbott announced that businesses in most parts of Texas can expand limits on capacity due to a decline in coronavirus hospitalizations. The order allows businesses operating at 50% capacity to expand to 75% beginning September 21. Hospitals in the affected areas can resume elective surgeries and nursing homes can resume limited visitations, as long as there are no outbreaks. Bars remain closed, and restrictions remain unchanged in areas still experiencing high rates of hospitalization including the Rio Grande Valley, and the Laredo and Victoria areas. Learn more HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE, September 14, 2020

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn more HERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

Governor Abbott Takes Executive Action To Contain Spread Of COVID-19
Limits Certain Businesses And Services With Link To Infections

June 26, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state' s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.

The order includes the following:

  • All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
  • Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
  • Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
  • Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.

Read more HERE.

TRAVIS COUNTY ORDERS MANDATORY HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES FOR COMMERCIAL ENTITIES

Travis County Judge Samuel Biscoe ordered all commercial entities in Travis County that provide goods or services directly to the public to develop and implement a health and safety policy related to COVID-10. The policy must require that employees and visitors to the business wear face coverings where six feet of separation is not feasible. The order also states that governmental entities should follow the recommendations and guidelines for face coverings. Commercial entitles that fail to implement a policy may be fined. For outdoor gatherings in excess of 500 people, face coverings are required. Read more HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn more HERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

Governor Abbott Announces Phase III To Open Texas

Governor Greg Abbott announced Phase III of Texas' plan to safely open the economy while containing the spread of COVID-19. Effective June 3, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at up to 50% capacity, with very limited exceptions. Businesses that previously have been able to operate at 100% capacity may continue to do so, and most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits. All businesses and customers should continue to follow minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

A breakdown of Phase III can be found below.

All businesses currently operating at 25% capacity can expand their occupancy to 50% with certain exceptions.
Bars and similar establishments may increase their capacity to 50% as long as patrons are seated.
Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 confirmed positive cases may open at 50% capacity.
Restaurants may expand their maximum table size from 6 to 10 persons.

Effective June 12:

Restaurants may expand their occupancy levels to 75%.
Counties with 10 or less active COVID-19 cases may expand their occupancy limits to 75%. Counties that fit this category but have not previously filed an attestation with DSHS will need to do so.

Effective June 19:

Amusement parks and carnivals in counties with more than 1,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 may open at 50% capacity.

Additional Openings:

Special provisions have been made for outdoor gatherings, such as Fourth of July celebrations, but it is imperative that local officials and public health officials collaborate on safe standards. These provisions are included in the Governor's Executive Order and are also available on the Open Texas webpage.

Further Protocols:

All businesses should continue to follow the minimum standard health protocols from DSHS. For details and a full list of guidelines, openings, and relevant dates, visit http://open.texas.gov.

Reminders for those going out:

  • Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings.
  • People should not be in groups greater than ten when possible.
  • People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.
  • People are still asked to avoid nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities.

https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-26_expanded_opening_COVID-19.pdf

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES PHASE II OF REOPENING PLAN

On May 18th, Governor Abbott announced that many more businesses will be allowed to re-open using specified protocols for each type of business. As of May 18th, covered businesses include child care centers and child care families; massage and beauty services; and youth clubs. Beginning May 22nd, bars, bowling alleys, skaing rinks, rodeos, zoos, aquariums, and natural caverns may re-open. Effective May 31st, day camps and overnight camps can re-open along with professional sports without in-person spectators. All of these "covered" services are in addition to previously announced re-openings, and are listed on the Open Texas website HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants that are open at limited capacity and/or offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn more HERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

TRAVIS COUNTY EXTENDS STAY-AT-HOME ORDER TO JUNE 15

Effective May 8, Travis County Judge Eckhardt ordered residents of Travis County and all municipalities contained within it to continue to stay at home until June 15, 2020, except as specifically allowed to provide or obtain essential services or reopened services, in order to avoid a surge in COVID-19 infections. Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to continue to follow the recommendations for social distancing, wearing of face coverings, and other hygiene practices. Read the full order HERE.

GOVERNOR EXPANDS BUSINESS OPENINGS, ANNOUNCES SURGE RESPONSE TEAMS

On May 5th, Governor Abbott announced an executive order to allow the expansion of additional businesses and activities. Weddings can resume at 25% capacity for indoor venues. Beginning May 8th, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons may reopen under strict social distancing guidelines. Beginning May 18th, office buildings may open with five or fewer individuals or 25% capacity, and gyms and other exercise facilities may open at 25% occupancy, with strict social distancing and sanitizing protocols in place. Guidelines were released for surge response teams, and guidance on class of 2020 graduation ceremonies for Texas school districts were also issued. Read more HERE.

CITY TO CONTINUE REMOTE OPERATIONS

A Message from the City Manager:

Here at the City of Bee Cave, we're continuing to strive to provide the level of service our residents are accustomed to, even during these unprecedented times. As you are likely aware, the State of Texas is slowly lifting restrictions on gatherings and opening back up in a phased manner. We believe the City has a responsibility to taxpayers, citizens, and visitors to provide that exceptional level of service in the safest manner possible. For this reason, we've made the decision to continue remote operations for the time being.

As more information and guidelines from federal, state, and local leaders are released, we can make the right decisions about which functions to open and how we open them to keep our patrons, staff, and families safe and healthy. For now, we do not have any set dates or timelines but will update as more information becomes available. Thank you for allowing us to serve the citizens of Bee Cave.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me.

Clint Garza
City Manager
512-767-6011
[email protected]

GOV. ABBOTT'S REPORT TO REOPEN TEXAS, April 27, 2020

Governor Abbott stated he will allow his Stay at Home Order to expire on April 30th. Beginning on May 1st, there will be a phased in reopening of businesses across the state:

  1. Retail, restaurants, malls, and movie theaters will be allowed to open at 25% occupancy.
  2. Museums and libraries can reopen, except for interactive, hands-on spaces.
  3. Church services may continue with strict social distancing practices in effect.
  4. Outdoor sports with no more than four participants are allowed, such as tennis and golf.
  5. Licensed healthcare workers are allowed to go back to work, such as dentists.
  6. Barbershops, salons, gyms, and bars are still required to remain closed. They may be allowed to reopen in mid-May.

Safe social distancing practices should continue to be followed.

Phase II will begin on May 18th so long as it is supported by data and the advice of doctors. Phase II will see occupancy expansion to 50% and may include additional businesses such as bars, gyms, barbershops, and hair salons.

Businesses in counties with fewer than 5 reported cases may reopen businesses to 50% capacity beginning on May 1st.

Read the Report HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE

The City of Bee Cave has updated the list of local restaurants offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn more HERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES ORDERS TO BEGIN REOPENING TEXAS

Governor Abbott announced Executive Orders to help to begin to reopen Texas in a way that will maintain safety and contain the spread of COVID-19. The Governor's Stay-at-Home Order is still in effect through April 30th. The Orders include creation of a Strike Force with leaders from the State government, medical advisors, business leaders, and economic experts to establish a phased-in approach.

Prohibitions on elective surgeries and medical procedures can be loosened so long as adequate supplies of PPE and hospital beds can be maintained. Read more HERE. Beginning April 24, retailers who can offer "to-go" options can begin curbside pick-up and drive-up services. State parks may reopen on April 20, subject to requirements for wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing. No more than 5 people may gather together. Schools across the state will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, with video instruction continuing. The Governor will announce additional plans for reopening the state on April 27. Learn more HERE.

LOCAL RESTAURANT STATUS UPDATE

The City of Bee Cave has compiled a list of local restaurants offering takeout and delivery during the stay-at-home orders. Learn more HERE.Special thanks to the Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce, BeeWomen, and the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for their coordination on compiling this list.

TRAVIS COUNTY EXTENDS STAY AT HOME ORDERS TO MAY 8

On April 13, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt extended her order that Travis County residents are ordered to stay at home and to practice social distancing and cover their faces through May 8, 2020. In order to continue slowing the rate and number of people infected with COVID-19, the County is calling for a community commitment to public compliance with the stay at home orders including the widespread adoption of face coverings. Read more here.

TRAVIS COUNTY COVID-19 PUBLIC DASHBOARD

For the latest statistics on the COVID-19 pandemic in Travis County, visit the county's Public Dashboard HERE.

TRAVIS COUNTY ISSUES GUIDANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY & RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Travis County issued supplemental guidance on April 2 for construction projects and houses of worship in light of the most recent orders from Governor Abbot and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt. Under the new guidance, residential and commercial construction projects are considered "essential services" and are allowed to proceed. Employers must follow strict guidelines to slow the spread of the virus including social distancing at the work site, posting of notices in languages understood by the employees, provision of handwashing sites, and so on. Read the construction guidance HERE. Supplemental guidance for religious services is found HERE.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATES PROCEDURES

Plan Review: The City is accepting and reviewing all permit applications submitted through My Government Online, including but not limited to building, signage, zoning, platting, subdivision construction plans, and site plans. Modified operations related to COVID-19 have not impacted average turn-around times for issuance of review comments. However, we are only issuing permits for applications that are classified as an Essential Service per Governor Abbot's Executive Order 14. Applications that resolve all comments, but are not eligible for permit release at this time will receive permits as soon as they are eligible to begin construction in compliance with Executive Orders.

Permit Eligibility

  • Residential Building Permits: Permit-eligible.
  • Pool Permits: New pool permits are not being issued.
  • Non-residential Building Permits: Considered on a case-by-case basis by the Building Official pursuant to applicable Executive Orders issued by the Governor.
  • Signage: If there is an associated permit-eligible building application in queue, a signage permit is eligible to be issued. Otherwise, sign permits are not being issued.
  • Zoning: Applications that resolve staff comments will be brought before Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council for required Public Hearings and consideration pursuant to the standard process and timelines. All meetings will be hosted online.
  • Platting: Applications will be reviewed and processed pursuant to the standard process and timelines. If Planning & Zoning and City Council action is required, respective meetings and Public Hearings, as applicable, will be hosted online. As of 4/1/2020 the Travis County Clerk is not accepting e-filing of plats. We are monitoring this situation and will file approved plats as soon as we are able.
  • Subdivision Construction Plans & Site Plans: Applications will be reviewed and processed pursuant to the standard process and timelines. All Planning & Zoning and City Council meetings will be hosted online.

Inspections: We are continuing to conduct inspections pursuant to the following:

  • Residential Building, Subdivision Construction Plan and Site Plan Permits: Inspections are being conducted via the standard process-all inspections scheduled via My Government Online by 3p will be conducted on the next business days.
  • Pool Permits: Pools with active permits issued prior to 4/1/2020 will be eligible to continue construction and schedule inspections.
  • Non-Residential Building Permits: Inspections related to an Essential Service will be conducted via the standard process. Inspections related to a non-Essential Service will not be scheduled unless there is an immediate health and safety issue, as determined by the Building Official.
  • Subdivision Construction Plan and Site Plan Inspections: Inspections related to an Essential Service will be conducted via the standard process-contact the City Engineer to schedule a time. Inspections related to a non-Essential Service will not be scheduled unless there is an immediate health and safety issue, as determined by the City Engineer.

Meetings: Staff remains available to answer questions through email and phone. We are also continuing to schedule meetings with applicants through Zoom, which offers the ability to screen share; please contact your regular staff point-of-contact to schedule. For those applications that require Board action for approval, we are continuing to hold Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council meetings, including Public Hearings, through Zoom pursuant to each Board's respective regular schedule.

GOVERNOR ISSUES GUIDANCE FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP

The Governor issued guidance on April 1 on Executive Order GA 14 regarding religious services and houses of worship. While religious services are included in the list of essential services, the guidance clarifies that houses of worship must, whenever possible, conduct their activities from home or through remote audio or video services. If a house of worship is unable to offer services remotely, White House and CDC guidelines must still be followed in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, including telling sick employees and worshippers to say home, maintaining appropriate distances between people, maintaining strict hygiene, and disinfecting frequently. Large gatherings are to be avoided.

Read the joint guidance document here. For more information on COVID-19, visit the Texas Department of State Health Serviceswebsite.

GOVERNOR DESIGNATES ESSENTIAL SERVICES ONLY THROUGH APRIL 30

Governor Greg Abbott revised his original Executive Order on March 31 to only allow for essential services and essential activities through April 30th. Additionally, schools will remain closed statewide through May 4th, unless the Order is extended. Essential Services are defined HERE.

CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 IN 78738

Austin Public Health has made a dashboard available that shows extensive information about the spread of COVID-19 in Travis County, including an interactive map by zip code. As of Monday, March 30, there were 7 confirmed cases in zip code 78738. View the dashboard HERE. Use the tabs and arrows in each box to discover more statistics about the pandemic across Texas, the US, and the world.

STAY HOME-WORK SAFE GUIDANCE ISSUED FOR CONSTRUCTION

The Travis County Fire Marshall issued guidance for the the construction industry to clarify what is and is not allowed under Travis County's shelter-in-place orders. Read more HERE.

TRAVIS COUNTY ORDERS SHELTER IN PLACE

Ordering residents to "Stay Home and Work Safe," Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt announced that further restriction of movement is necessary to reduce the risk of harm to the public, and ordered that all individuals in Travis County are required to shelter in place. Read more HERE.

CITY OFFERS REMOTE ACCESS TO COUNCIL MEETING

The City offers remote access in listen-only mode to citizens wishing to attend the March 24, 2020 City Council Meeting. For those attending in person, social distancing practices will be in effect. Details here.

FDA WARNS OF FRAUDULENT TEST KITS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting the public that unauthorized fraudulent test kits are being marketed to test for COVID-19 at home. These fraudulent tests can pose serious health risks by keeping some patients from seeking care or delaying necessary medical treatment. Consumers are encouraged to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and call your medical provider if you have symptoms about whether you should get tested. Read the full FDA news release here.

COUNTY CLARIFIES GATHERING RESTRICTIONS

Travis County clarified earlier restrictions on "social gatherings" of 10 or more people to exclude performing employment and shopping for food, medicine or household supplies. The Judge's Order also clarifies that the restrictions do not apply to "critical infrastructure" which is defined to include day care centers, among other facilities. Find more information here.

SBA DISASTER LOAN APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Governor Abbott announced that the Small Business Administration has included the entire state in its Economic Injury Disaster Declaration and granted access to long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying small businesses and non-profits. Details and links to more information are available here.

UPDATE March 20, 2020

Commissioner of Public Health John W. Hellerstedt, M.D., announced yesterday that the Department of State Health Services has declared a Public Health Disaster for the entire State of Texas, imposing conditions statewide that are already in effect in Travis County. Details HERE.

UPDATE March 19, 2020

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE FEELING SICK

What should you do if you start feeling sick and think you might have COVID-19? We've gathered some resources that can help you and your family know what steps to take next.

Austin Public Health has an extensive list HERE of next steps to take, including options for internet-based doctor visits and what to do if you don't have insurance.

The CDC offers information on what to do if you are sick and how to care for sick family members HERE.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has a good overview of symptoms and prevention techniques HERE.

For an in-depth FAQ regarding the virus, Harvard Health has put together this guide.

We hope you continue to wash your hands, socially distance, and #StayHomeTexas!

SERVICES FOR UNINSURED

Central Health-funded CommUnityCare Health Centers launched a hotline staffed with medical professionals to triage uninsured Travis County residents experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (COVID-19).

People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms who are uninsured and do not have an established doctor can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 512-978-8775 for guidance. Starting today, medical professionals will answer the phones and triage callers - s pecifically people who are uninsured -to prevent them from going directly to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department. For now, the hotline is available 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce shared a LIST of local restaurants offering delivery, takeout and curbside pickup options.

UPDATE March 19, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott issued executive orders today in accordance with federal guidelines relating to COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation. The four orders limit public gatherings state-wide to fewer than 10 people and order the closing of restaurant dining rooms, bars, gyms, and schools to help reduce exposure to the virus. Details here.

UPDATE March 18, 2020

Travis County issued an order prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people until May 1, 2020. Restaurants must close their dining rooms to the public but are encouraged to offer take-out or delivery. Bars just close to the public. Details here.

ANNOUNCEMENT March 16, 2020

The City of Bee Cave has made the decision to modify City operations beginning Monday, March 16, including the Municipal Court, the Planning and Development Department, the Old Bee Cave School House, and the Bee Cave Public Library. All business with the City should be conducted through online services, via email, or by telephone. Details here.