Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others. Read more here. 

Williamson County offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2020, in observance of the July 4^th Independence Day holiday.  In addition, the Commissioners Court will not meet on Tuesday, July 7, and will resume their regular schedule on Tuesday, July 14, at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom on the second floor of the historic courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in Georgetown. The meeting can be viewed live at https://www.wilco.org/livemeetings. 

Celebrate July Fourth with a new, furry family member! July 3, 4, and 5, adoptions are only $4 for adult cats and large adult dogs. Schedule your appointment to meet the pet of your dreams by emailing [email protected] today! Please visit wilcopets.org for details.

The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas Military Department, will be hosting free COVID-19 testing in the cities of Hutto, Jarrell, and Taylor from July 6 to July 10. All three sites are walk-up sites and will not require an appointment prior to being tested. People interested in getting tested will be asked to park and line up for their turn. It is important to note that due to demand there may be long wait times. Residents are urged to bring a water bottle and a form of shade to cover from the sun if necessary. People do not need to have symptoms in order to be tested. Testing locations will be open at 10 a.m. until testing supplies last. 

When many people think of Independence Day celebrations, they think of fireworks; however, most jurisdictions have city ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within or near the city limits.  If you are unsure of the ordinances, it is always safer to check with the city or local fire department prior to the purchase or discharge of fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted in Williamson County parks. To check an interactive county map with the fireworks free buffer zone area, go to this link  https://gis.wilco.org/maps/?viewer=countymap.  Click this story to read more safety tips on fireworks from the Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office. 

The Williamson County Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program has issued 3,509 grants as of Monday, June 29, totaling more than $33.2 million. Small business owners who have not submitted an application for a grant through the Wilco Forward program have until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2020, to do so. Phase 1 targeted helping local small businesses through the creation of the Wilco Forward grant program with $35 million allocated to the cause. As part of Phase 2, the Williamson County Commissioners Court allotted $20 million to reimburse  Williamson County cities for COVID-19 related expenses. Additionally, $1 million was allocated to the Williamson County and Cities Health District for their COVID-19 expenses. Also included was $500,000 for Emergency Services Districts (ESD) and $500,000 for Bluebonnet Trails Community Services for COVID-19 related expenses. On June 23, $5 million was allocated for Phase III going toward community services that focus on rent or mortgage assistance and utility assistance. For details on eligibility and more on the Wilco Forward program visit https://www.wilco.org/forward.