UPDATE (APRIL 7): The Lockhart City Council voted to extend the local state of disaster declaration indefinitely. The resolution approved by Council incorporates the provisions of Caldwell County's Stay Home, Stay Safe order and Governor Greg Abbott's Essential Services and Essential Activities Order. It also delegates to the city manager the ability suspend disconnection and collection of utility payments for the duration of the resolution.

The move comes one day after Caldwell County Commissioners Court voted to extend the county's disaster declaration and Stay Home Stay Safe Order through April 31. With that extension, the county's order will run for the same duration as the state's.

UPDATE (MARCH 24): Lockhart City Council on Tuesday, March 24 voted to extend the mayor's declaration of a local state of disaster until the city's next regular meeting, which is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 7. No amendments were made to the declaration.

Mayor Lew White has amended his March 17 declaration of a local state of disaster for public health emergency for the City of Lockhart as the situation involving COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, continues to evolve.

Per the amended declaration, gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people and the cancellation of any planned gatherings of more than 10 people is mandatory. The mayor signed the amended declaration on Thursday afternoon to reflect executive orders signed by Governor Greg Abbott that:

• Limit social gatherings to 10 people
• Order bars and gyms to close.
• Allow restaurants to offer takeout, delivery or drive-thru service but prohibit dining in.
• Require the temporary closure of schools.
• Allow grocery stores, banks and gas stations to remain open.

The Governor's executive orders apply to the entire state. The governor's orders take effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 20 and remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. April 3 and the mayor's amendments take effect at midnight Friday, March 20.

The declaration of a local state of disaster activates the city's emergency management plan and allows it to take actions necessary to promote health and suppress the virus, as well as request funds and additional resources from the state and federal governments.

The limitation on the size of gatherings extends to commercial (retail, wholesale, industrial, service, eating and entertainment) establishments. Employees of such establishments are not counted as part of a gathering. 

Representatives of such establishments are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the limitation on the size of gatherings.

Violating the declaration is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and no more than 180 days in jail.

The mayor's declaration of disaster will be in effect until March 24, unless continued or renewed with consent of Lockhart City Council.

Read the Mayor's amended proclamation here.

Read Governor Abbott's executive orders here.