COVID-19 Information

Last updated 01/06/2023 1:55 p.m.

Get Vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccinations continue to prove to be safe and effective. Unvaccinated individuals are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Travis County residents can get COVID-19 vaccines at physicians’ offices, pharmacies, Austin Public Health clinics, and other health care facilities. They can also find vaccine providers on Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish).

Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, including getting your booster shot, remains the most effective and safe way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to illnesses caused by the COVID-19 virus.

Las vacunas de COVID-19 continúan demostrando ser seguras y efectivas. Se recomienda a las personas no vacunadas que se vacunen lo más pronto posible.

Los residentes del condado de Travis pueden obtener las vacunas contra el COVID-19 en los consultorios médicos, farmacias, clínicas del Departamento de Salud Pública de Austin y otros centros de atención médica. También pueden encontrar proveedores de vacunas en Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov en español).

Mantenerse al día con las vacunas contra el COVID-19, incluida la vacuna de refuerzo, sigue siendo la forma más eficaz y segura de prevenir enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muertes por enfermedades causadas por el virus del COVID-19.

Testing

If you are feeling ill and are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested regardless of your vaccination status or prior infection.

While waiting for your test result, stay away from others and follow the advice of your health care provider.

Testing is available at various sites around Austin.

Austin Public Health

Austin Public Health offers free tests, and no proof of insurance or residency is required. Find a testing site near you or schedule an in-home test by visiting Austin Public Health’s website.

Pharmacies, Hospitals, and Urgent Care Centers

COVID-19 testing is also available at local health centers, clinics, and pharmacies often at no-cost. You can search for a testing site near you. Call ahead to verify availability, insurance coverage, or make an appointment as necessary.

In-Home Testing

Home testing units allow medical professionals to administer tests in the patient’s home. This type of testing is ideal for anyone with mobility issues, underlying health issues, or those lacking transportation within the Austin-Travis County area. Call the Austin Public Health nurse hotline at 512-972-5560 to sign up for a home test.

County Orders

Current Orders

03/23/2022 – Travis County Judge Andy Brown has signed the following orders that terminate order 2022-01, 2021-08a, and 2021-09a.
01/13/2022 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2022-01, relating to COVID-19. This order allows businesses and those in control of a site to impose certain mitigation efforts to ensure that the County’s health, health industry, and general economy can continue to recover. It also requires them to display specific signage.
December 29, 2021 – Today, Judge Nick Chu, Travis County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 5, signed an order related to eviction proceedings that extends evictions protections to renters in Travis County.
August 24, 2021- Today the Travis County Commissioners Court approved an updated order adopting the Local Health Authority’s Rules and Order for Protection of Public Health and an updated order relating to face covering in Travis County buildings.
August 17, 2021 – Today the Travis County Commissioners Court approved a resolution adopting the Local Health Authority’s Rules and Order for Protection of Public Health.
August 13, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed Amended County Judge Order 2021-08a relating to face coverings to keep our students safe.
August 11, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2021-08, relating to face coverings to keep our students safe. Additionally, he signed County Judge Order 2021-09, relating to face covering in Travis County buildings.

Previous Orders

October 15, 2021 – Today Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued County Judge Order No. 2121-10, relating to notices to vacate and eviction proceedings in response to COVID-19.
October 15, 2021 – Today, the Travis County Justices of the Peace issued Order No. 17. This order abates certain non-payment of rent eviction cases until Dec. 31, 2021.
July 30, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order No. 2021-07 Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order extends the prohibition of eviction proceedings with some exceptions through October 15, 2021, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.

Those who’re struggling to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic may find rental assistance at:
- Travis County: http://traviscountytx.gov/apply
- City of Austin: http://www.austintexas.gov/rent
Additionally, the Travis County Justices of the Peace signed an order that also addresses eviction proceedings.

May 27, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed Travis County Judge Order No. 2021-06 Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. The purpose of this updated order is not to change the time periods and conditions set forth in Order 2021-04, but to clarify the definition of when a landlord has exhausted all Rental Assistance Remedies.

For those who continue to struggle to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they may find rental assistance at:
- Travis County: http://traviscountytx.gov/apply
- City of Austin: http://www.austintexas.gov/rent

May 21, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2021-05. With this order:
1. Travis County and Travis County facilities shall follow the recommendations and guidance by the Austin Travis County Health Authority dated May 21, 2021, except as provided for and as authorized by law for certain entities to adopt their own rules like courts and correctional facilities (including but not limited to Travis County Jail, Travis County Correctional Complex, and Central Booking).
2. It is recommended that:
  1. Individuals get vaccinated and encourage others to get vaccinated. This will help us reach herd immunity to benefit our entire community.
  2. Be COVID Wise – It is recommended that individuals wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Getting fully vaccinated, wearing a mask, and maintaining at least 3 feet of distance provides the highest level of protection from COVID-19 and other airborne diseases.
  3. Individuals follow the CDC guidance at home and at your place of employment.

May 18, 2021 – The Travis County Commissioners Court approved to continue its previous order to enforce the Health Authority’s rules and requirements for businesses in Travis County as provided under the Health and Safety Code.
April 30, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Austin Mayor Steve Adler extended their eviction orders to August 1. The orders have been modified to address the backlog of unpaid rent some Austin landlords may have.

Beginning June 1, landlords with residents who have five or more months of unpaid rent, but have exhausted all rental assistance remedies, are no longer prohibited from filing a Notice of Eviction.

View Travis County Judge Order No. 2021-04

View the City of Austin Order 20210430-029

For those who continue to struggle to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they may find rental assistance at:
- Travis County: http://traviscountytx.gov/apply
- City of Austin: http://www.austintexas.gov/rent
April 13, 2021 – The Travis County Commissioners Court approved to continue its previous order to enforce the Health Authority’s rules and requirements for businesses in Travis County as provided under the Health and Safety Code.
March 30, 2021 – Travis County Judge Andy Brown has issued County Judge Order No. 2021-03; Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order extends the prohibition of eviction proceedings to May 1, 2021, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.
March 21, 2020 - Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-4 (Order for Mass Gatherings and Critical Infrastructure )
March 20, 2020 - Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-3 (Order for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings )
March 6, 2020 - Travis County Declaration of Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency

February 16, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2021-02; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2021 and continuing through 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021 unless extended, modified, or terminated early by the Travis County Judge.
December 23, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed Judge Order 2020-23, Relating to Stage 5 COVID-19 Community Restrictions. This order is a supplement to the “Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe” County orders that were updated on Dec. 15. The orders take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2020 and will be in effect until Jan. 11, 2021.
December 17, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order No. 2020-22, Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order is effective immediately and continues through February 1, 2021, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.
December 15, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2020-21; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 and continuing through 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, February 16, 2021 unless extended, modified, or terminated early by the Travis County Judge.
September 30, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order No. 2020-19, Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order is effective immediately and continues through December 31, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.

Additionally, last week, the Travis County Justices of the Peace signed an order that also addresses eviction proceedings.
August 14, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order 2020-16; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:00 a.m., Sunday, August 16, 2020 and continuing through 11 :59 p.m. on December 15, 2020 unless extended. This Order:
- Extends the local disaster declaration and public health emergency for Travis County.
- Extends prohibition of any gatherings that exceed 10 people, except as permitted by the Governor’s Proclamation and Orders.
- Extends requirement for every person in Travis County to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space whenever not feasible to maintain six (6) feet of social distancing from persons outside one’s household.
To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.
July 22, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has issued County Judge Order No. 2020-15 Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order extends the prohibition of eviction proceedings to September 30th unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.
July 9, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order 2020-14; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:01 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2020 unless extended. This Order:
- Continues the local disaster declaration and public health emergency for Travis County.
- Prohibits any gatherings that exceed 10 people, except as permitted by the Governor’s Proclamation and Orders.
- Requires every person in Travis County to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space whenever not feasible to maintain six (6) feet of social distancing from persons outside one’s household.
To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.
June 25, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order 2020-13; Relating to the Declaration regarding COVID-19. Effective as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2020, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2020 unless extended, modified or terminated early, any outdoor gatherings that exceed 100 people are PROHIBITED except as permitted by the Governor’s Order GA-26. Individuals shall not socialize in groups of more than 10 people, unless individuals are members of the same household or residence and except to the extent permitted by the Governor’s Orders. Within any group of ten (10) people or less, individuals should, to the extent possible, wear face coverings and minimize in-person contact with others not in the individual’s household.

To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.
June 18, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has signed County Judge Order 2020-12; Relating to the Declaration regarding COVID-19. Effective as of 11:59 on Thursday, June 18, 2020, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2020 unless extended, modified or terminated early, all commercial entities in Travis County that provide goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a health and safety policy related to COVID-19. The Health and Safety Policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees and visitors to the commercial entity’s business premises or other facilities wear face coverings when in an area or performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible.

To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.
June 15, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has issued COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines and Order 2020-11.
June 11, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has issued County Judge Order No. 2020-10 Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order extends the prohibition of eviction proceedings to July 25th unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order
May 8, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt issued two orders:

County Judge Order 2020-8: STAY HOME ORDER CONSISTENT WITH AND GUIDANCE BEYOND GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS

County Judge Order No. 2020-9: Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19

Both of these orders were created with the input of the Opening Central Texas for Business Task Force. See their recommendations for opening Central Texas for business.
April 13, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt has signed Order No. 2020-7. This order extends the previous Stay Home, Work Safe order and adds requirements for Face Coverings. The Order is effective 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2020, and will continue until 11:59 p.m. on May 8, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.
April 10, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt has issued County Judge Order No. 2020-6: Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19, which is effective immediately until May 8, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent Order.
Updated March 24, 2020 - Order by the County Judge of Travis County
- The newly signed order by Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt instructs Travis County residents to Stay Home and Work Safe. Health professionals have told us we have to do more to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent a strain on our hospitals and resources. While this order may be inconvenient, it is necessary for the greater good. If you have any concerns or complaints concerning the order by the County Judge related to COVID-19, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.
March 24, 2020 - The City of Austin has issued a Public Health Order requiring individuals to remain in place at home, with exceptions for essential work and activities. When conducting an allowed activity, people must maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing. Find out What You Need to Know.

Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-5
March 17, 2020 - Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-2
March 14, 2020 - Gatherings of 250+ People Banned to Help Tackle COVID-19. View the City of Austin's Mayor's Orders

Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-1

More Resources

For questions that can’t be answered by what is online, please feel free to call 3-1-1 if you are inside the Austin city limits or 512-974-2000 if you are outside of the Austin city limits.

TAX RATE: TRAVIS COUNTY ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE. THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 3.5 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $9.12.

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