Gov. Abbott allowing event permit refunds for businesses affected by coronavirus

Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that he is temporarily suspending certain provisions to help businesses whose events were canceled due to COVID-19 coronavirus.

The suspended provisions from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code will allow for refunds of application fees paid to obtain a temporary event permit for an event later canceled because of the pandemic.

Austin joins big Texas cities in limiting bars, restaurants

Austin joined other major Texas cities in closing bars and restaurant dining rooms to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

"With events and festivals across Texas canceled, it is essential that we find ways to reduce the financial burden on event organizers and the hospitality industry as a whole," said Abbott. "By suspending these provisions, Texas is helping these businesses and organizations recoup some of the costs associated with their canceled events."

So far, the coronavirus outbreak has led to the closures of multiple major Texas festivals, including Rodeo Austin and SXSW, which faced its first cancellation in its 34-year history.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler announces SXSW is canceled

Austin Mayor Steve Adler has announced that SXSW has been canceled for this year.

On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a public health disaster, the first in Texas since 1901. The executive orders, which take effect at midnight Friday, March 20 and go through midnight on Friday, April 3, will bring the state in line with CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Texas declares public health disaster, closes restaurant dining rooms and schools

The orders take effect at midnight and will go through midnight on April 3.

The public health disaster orders schools to be closed statewide until at least April 3. The disaster also orders a ban on dine-in eating and gathering in groups of more than 10 as the state ramps up efforts to battle the coronavirus. Abbott's order also will shut down gyms and bars. It also bans visits to nursing and retirement homes unless there is a critical need.

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. Every weekday we're live at 1 p.m. with a special show reporting the latest news, prevention tips and treatment information.

You can watch live in your FOX 7 Austin app or on the FOX 7 Austin Facebook page.

You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.