County issues Shelter In Place order

Milam County has decided to take another step in hopes of preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the county.

During an emergency meeting this morning, Milam County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a Shelter In Place order for Milam County.

The order will go into effect at midnight tonight.

This new Shelter In Place order will supersede the current disaster declaration and further strengthen the actions the county is taking to help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19.

“The time has come to put this in place,” County Judge Steve Young said.

Young said that McLennan, Bell and Brazos counties have already issued Shelter In Place orders and Travis and Williamson counties are expected to issue those orders today.

“The numbers will continue to go up,” Young said. “So I think we should put this in place now.”

The order restricts all social gatherings and prohibits non-essential travel. Young said the order doesn’t close any additional businesses.

The order will be in effect until April 7.

The previous disaster declaration was extended until May 4 during the Commissioners Court meeting on Monday.

That declaration said that gatherings were limited to 10 people or less, including churches, service organizations, sports, gyms, fitness centers, and other civic functions; bars, restaurants, and other gathering places are to be closed, though restaurants will be allowed to serve drive through, delivery, and pick up only; grocery stores, retail stores, and essential businesses will be exempt from closing. There is also a curfew in place for anyone 18 and under.

You can find the entire Shelter in Place order here: http://www.milamcounty.net/upload/page/9873/Shelter%20in%20Place%20Order...