Abbott closes tubing, rafting businesses in Texas
SAN MARCOS, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott has also closed tubing and rafting businesses Friday as COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Texas.
"I knew it was going to be closed for a little bit," said tuber Joe Sponsel, who had been hoping to float in San Marcos this summer. "I understand why they had to do it and I'm all for it, it's just too risky."
The spike in COVID-19 cases in central Texas was enough to not only stop tubing but also from going to river parks in the city in general.
New order by Gov. Abbott scales back reopening plans, shuts down Texas bars
The order has an option for some bars; they can offer delivery and take-out, including alcoholic beverages. Conditions for that may hinge on serving food. The details are still being drafted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
RELATED: Gov. Abbott rolls back parts of reopening plan as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations rise in Texas
"The Hays County epidemiologist came out to us about a week ago said some of the tracing that they were doing indicated a lot of the exposure was from crowded bars and tubing," San Marcos Parks & Recreation assistant director Jamie Lee Case said, who adds that this is the second time they closed these parks and they aren't taking it lightly.
Security is much stricter, complete with a new fence as last time some people did not adhere to the closures. "We used a much more flimsy fencing used in construction which was easily cut or jumped over so we actually had to go out and get chain link fencing to have a more structurally sound fence to keep people out this go around," Case said.
---------
Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 7 Austin News app. It is FREE!
---------
They aren't alone with these closures, up in Pflugerville they closed off all lake activities besides the trail, this means no more kayaking.
RELATED: New Braunfels closes riverside parks, postpones 4th of July fireworks
For Sponsel, he's willing to wait as long as it takes to get back in the water if it means being safe.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.
