Austin closes several government run operations in effort to prevent potential coronavirus spread
AUSTIN, Texas - As coronavirus concerns rise, more and more places in Austin close.
From pools to the library, Austin has closed many city-run operations to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. “I've been in Austin since July and the city is quieter and I think there is a sense of concern among the people I’ve seen,” said Brian Triana who lives near downtown.
During the week in what would be the busiest time for South by Southwest is instead filled with closures. FOX 7 met up with Triana by the Austin library, one of the buildings now temporarily closed. “We can't be over-prepared here, it's not a time to panic but we need to do everything that we can,” said Triana.
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All city-run pools are closed. The Austin rec centers are closed.
The Austin Animal Center is closed to the public. They will not be doing adoptions at this time and they are asking people not to bring in found pets. Instead, they are urging people to take them to a vet to get their microchip scanned as well as make posts online about the animal to try and find the owner. If you're not able to make it to the vet, you can stop by any of the fire stations in the city. They now have the equipment to scan microchips.
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The city isn't the only one taking steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, some of the residents like Triana are doing what they can. “I'm trying to stay isolated in my apartment as much as possible, minimize contact with people as much as possible,” said Triana.
As he works at a hospital, Triana said he is also avoiding personal contact with his parents in an effort to keep them safe. “I'm planning on not seeing them for a while,” said Triana.
While Triana said it's hard to see the city like this, he said it's better to be safe than sorry.
Austin isn't the only one making these kinds of changes for COVID-19. Travis County is prohibiting gatherings with more than 250 people.
In Williamson County, while there are no cases there, Georgetown has canceled all city programs and is talking about potentially moving the Red Poppy Seed Festival till the fall.