AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- In an effort to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe is banning outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people.
The new order, which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning, comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott gave local jurisdictions the power to control large gatherings at the 100 and above level earlier this week. Under Abbot's plans to re-open the state, local jurisdictions had been previously limited to only having control over gatherings of 500 or more.
Biscoe's order will last until at least July 10.
The order also calls on individuals to not socialize in groups of more than 10 people, except for those in the same household or residence. Biscoe's order, in compliance with statewide orders, does not apply to church services, child care services, youth camps, recreational sports, swimming pools, water parks, museums and libraries, zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and carnivals.
A violation of the new order may result in a fine of up to $1,000.