1. Why did the Mayor issue Order Number 1?
The Mayor had previously issued a Local Disaster Declaration for Buda related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hays County issued Order No. 3 “Stay at Home, Work Safe” on March 25, 2020. The Mayor issued the new Buda order to be consistent with the Hays County Order and to reduce confusion. The new order also implements practices and best practices being implemented in other communities and/or to address situations unique to Buda.
2. What does the order include?
It deletes the conditions that were included in the initial Disaster Declaration and makes the restrictions consistent with the Hays County order for community gatherings, occupancy of premises, day care facilities, restaurants, and essential businesses. Day care facilities are allowed to re-open to support staff of essential businesses in Buda.
3. Are daycare facilities closed in Buda?
No. Daycare facilities may operate to provide services for essential personnel of essential businesses. The initial Disaster Declaration issued by the Mayor closed daycare facilities. However, the Mayor Order No. 1 suspends the closure and makes the rule consistent with Hays County.
4. Will the Buda Police Department pull me over if I am violating the “Stay at Home, Work Safe” order?
The Buda Police Department will not pull over vehicles as people are still free to travel to essential businesses for medical care, groceries and other necessary supplies. The Hays County Order has enacted a curfew from 11 pm through 4 am and other local law enforcement agencies will be enforcing this curfew.
5. How are businesses impacted?
Please reference the Hays County Order No. 3 for a list of essential businesses. Essential businesses that remain open based on the Hays County order must implement one-way foot traffic and mark the floor at six-foot (6’) intervals at registers and other areas where lines are formed to ensure customers maintain safe distances from one another. The Order also implements requirements for doors so that customers do not have to touch door handles to enter or exit the business.
6. Why are “one-way” aisles required in retail businesses?
This requirement was included in the Order to help ensure that the CDC recommendation of 6’ social distancing is followed and that shoppers do not have to cross paths in shopping aisles.
7. Why do essential retail businesses have doors propped open?
The Mayor Order requires that essential retail businesses like grocery stores and gas stations must ensure that all doors into and out of the business for the general public are situated so that no customer has to touch the door to enter or exit. This is done to prevent the touching of common surfaces that could spread the virus.
8. Are parks closed?
The Order closes sports fields, bathrooms, playscapes, basketball courts, skateparks, water fountains and other facilities of both City and private parks such as HOA parks. Trails and green spaces remain open. Visitor’s must observe the 6’ social distancing guidelines while in parks. The City may close other aspects of parks if the social distancing guidelines are not being followed.
9. Can I have my garage sale that I was planning this weekend?
A garage sale does not meet the definition of an essential business outlined in the Hays County Order. It would not be allowed.
10. Where can I learn more about the Hays County Order?
To view Hays County Order No. 3, visit: https://hayscountytx.com/download/commissioners_court/county_judge/COVID-Order-3.pdf
To view answers to frequently asked questions created by Hays County, visit: https://hayscountytx.com/questions-from-residents-about-judges-3rd-order-answered/
11. What is the penalty for violating the Order?
Violating the Mayor Order No. 1 is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. If the offense constitutes an unlawful act relating to fire safety, zoning, or public health or sanitation, the fine may be up to $1,000 for each violation.
For More Information:
You can also visit http://haysinformed.com/.
For non-emergency questions about COVID-19 please call the Hays County COVID-19 Hotline at 512-393-5525.
For City of Buda information on COVID-19 please visit ci.buda.tx.us/coronavirusinformation.
