Shelter-in-place order for Travis County being drafted, says Judge Eckhardt's office

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas - A shelter-in-place order for Travis County is being drafted and County Judge Sarah Eckhardt says the order will be signed tomorrow (March 24) and will go into effect at midnight. The order is likely to last 2-3 weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A source told FOX 7 Austin's Jennifer Kendall that it is unknown if the order will mirror the city of Dallas's, which goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday and lasts until at least April 3.

The source also said that the order is not expected to be vastly different than previous orders. It is expected to make it more explicit for people to shelter in their homes and make only essential trips, such as to the grocery or to doctor's appointments.

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Gov. Abbott provides update on Texas’ efforts to combat COVID-19

As of March 22, there are 334 positive cases in 43 counties with 6 confirmed deaths from coronavirus in Texas.

Last week, 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.

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.

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