Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell has declared a Local State of Disaster for Williamson County in order to limit the development, contraction and spread of COVID-19 in Williamson County, Texas. These extraordinary measures were taken following disaster declarations by the President of the United States and the Texas Governor and based on information provided by emergency services agencies. While Williamson County has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, to ensure the health and safety of all our residents, County Judge Bill Gravell is issuing a disaster declaration to activate the emergency management plan. This will allow the County to allocate resources, utilize personnel and enact procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Williamson County. It also allows for state assistance to be requested if local resources and mutual aid are insufficient. Read more about opportunities for Small Business Administration loans and changes to County procedures here.  

As of today, over 1,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 40 deaths from the disease have been reported in the United States. Texas Governor Greg Abbot reported there is a total of 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the State of Texas, as of March 13, 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects that more cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the United States in the coming days. 

While Williamson County has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, to ensure the health and safety of all our residents, County Judge Bill Gravell is issuing a disaster declaration to activate the emergency management plan. This will allow the County to allocate resources, utilize personnel and enact procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Williamson County. It also allows for state assistance to be requested if local resources and mutual aid are insufficient. Under the local disaster declaration, the County Judge is given the authority to exercise any and all necessary powers set out under the Texas Disaster Act of Texas Government Code Chapter 418.   

“We are following the guidance from President Trump and Governor Abbott and working together at the local level to ensure the safety of our community,” said Judge Gravell. “We are prepared to protect our residents, and ask that you remain calm and continue to practice the preventative measures outlined by the CDC. These simple steps will help by reducing the spread of disease to the point where our healthcare system can maintain capacity and properly care for our communities.”  

The preventative measures include:  

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer 

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands 

·         Avoid close contact with people who are sick 

·         Stay home when you are sick 

·         Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash 

·         Get a flu shot 

·         Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces 

Williamson County continues to monitor this ongoing and fluid situation closely with the Williamson County and Cities Health District. Updates will be posted to the website at www.wilco.org and on social media.