AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- More than two years after first issuing a local disaster declaration at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Austin and Travis County on Wednesday announced the lifting of emergency rules and orders related to the pandemic.
"We have not eliminated the virus but adapted to it. We now have knowledge and tools to fight COVID-19 when we are called to do so," said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. "I am confident that the community will come together if the need arises again, as they have for the past two years of this pandemic."
Local health officials cite the infection and hospitalization numbers, which are among the lowest the area has seen since the pandemic began in March 2020.
The orders terminated Wednesday include a requirement for facial coverings on city property and public school property, and requirements for businesses to post COVID-19 signage at their premises.
Masking in most city facilities will now be optional, with a few exceptions such as the airport, clinical settings and jails.
"Effective immediately, masking indoors, including inside city buildings, is no longer required (with only limited exceptions). Congratulations -- it's about time!" said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. "Thank you to everyone vaccinated and boosted for helping to get us here."
Austin Public Health officials say they will be adopting the Community Levels tracker from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the coming weeks, and they continue to monitor data for any concerning trends following the just-concluded spring festival season and spring break.
"We didn't get here by accident. I want to thank our public health staff, researchers, epidemiologists, health leaders, vaccine/testing clinics and our community for getting us to this point," said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. "This is a testament of how adaptable we have been and can be in the future."