IMPORTANT UPDATES
It’s not too late…
REGISTER TODAY for a Member’s Only Zoom Meeting with Senator John Cornyn.
The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Georgetown and Round Rock Chambers of Commerce for a Virtual Williamson County Conversation with Senator John Cornyn TODAY at 2:00pm. Senator Cornyn will provide an update from the federal level regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis, followed by the opportunity for you to ask the Senator questions.
You must register for this event. Please
CLICK HERE
to complete your registration!
FEDERAL & STATE UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
As expected, the
economy contracted sharply in the first quarter
according to a report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and shared by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The economy contracted by 4.8% in the first quarter compared to an increase of 2.1% in the final quarter of 2019. This is the largest decline since the fourth quarter of 2008, during the height of the Great Recession. For the complete report please
CLICK HERE
.
On Monday, Governor Abbott unveiled
Phase I of Texas’ Reopening Plan
, giving the green light for many business sectors to open their doors again. Tomorrow will be the official start date allowing retail, restaurants, malls and theaters to open. There are limitations on some of these industries relating to only being allowed to operate at 25% occupancy.
Under this order, businesses must operate within new health guidelines to minimize exposure and spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). These measures are coming as recommendations from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines & Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Texas Association of Business has compiled these health guidelines for easy access and distribution.
Please learn more HERE
.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY UPDATE
Williamson County’s
Stay Home Stay Safe Order to expire tonight at 11:59pm
. Beginning May 1
st
, Williamson County businesses will follow Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s executive orders issued April 27
th
which allow businesses to reopen safely and strategically in phases, while minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Williamson County will also be
opening several testing sites throughout the county
. The first site will open today, and it will be led by Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) personnel. During the April 28
th
Commissioner’s Court Meeting, an agreement with a private provider for testing sites was approved. This agreement will make it possible for more testing sites to open around the county in the coming days.
WCCHD received notification of the
eighth (8) COVID-19 related death
in Williamson County. The resident was a female in her 60s. WILCO is unable to release more information due to privacy protection laws. WILCO has had 169 recovered COVID-19 cases | Currently there are 11 in the hospital | 1 person is currently on a ventilator.
LEANDER ISD
Leander ISD is asking students, parents and teachers if they are meeting expectations
during these challenging times. According to UPDATE #23, they want to know! “As we continue to plan based on the Governor’s Executive Order that school buildings will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.” They would like to gather feedback from teachers, parents and students about how things are going with the district’s emergency distance learning. Each group will receive a link to a short survey, but if you missed it – the links are below! The district is asking for the survey to be completed by May 1
st
.
IN CLOSING TODAY
There are many businesses, employers, employees and residents who are ready for May 1
st
. Tomorrow many businesses will open again. It is important to do this safely. Whether you are an employer or employee, whether you are a customer, or you just want to get out of the house, everybody needs to continue to be safe.
Remember, the Governor is opening under the assumption that both businesses and customers take responsibility for not spreading the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The only thing worse than opening slowly and strategically, is opening up and having to close doors again. We have made progress. We know the number of confirmed cases will go up. We need to make sure we continue safe practices so that we do not overwhelm our healthcare system.
There is information in many places but be sure you look at this information and practice social distancing when appropriate. The business community is relying on you!
Tony Moline, IOM, PCED
President & CEO
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
