What can you do?
Effective Wednesday, March 10, all COVID-19-related restrictions on businesses and the statewide mask mandate will be lifted per Executive Order GA-34 executed by Gov. Greg Abbott on March 2.
The ending of mask ordinances puts real pressure on employees to enforce an emotional topic for many. Please show kindness and understanding of staff and others when visiting local businesses, regardless of their mask requirements.
Let’s all keep doing our part to protect each other and help stop the spread of COVID-19:
- Wear a mask
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands
Practice good hygiene and physical distancing
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Practice physical distancing by keeping 6 feet between yourself and others. Social distancing should not mean social isolation: Our parks and trails remain open, and people are encouraged to get out and play.
- Cover your face when you go outside | Read more about CDC’s recommendations about face coverings.
- Follow CDC guidelines around travel.
- Consider posting these hygiene steps around your workplace: English | Spanish
Help your neighbors
It’s important that social distancing doesn’t become social isolation. There are a number of ways you can help your neighbors and get help from them. Below are just a few examples:
- Call, text, or video chat your neighbors, family, and friends – check in on their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing and offer to assist where you can (i.e. delivering groceries or medicine).
- Support local businesses by ordering delivery or take our or buying a gift card
- Leave an encouraging chalk message on your sidewalk or driveway
- Post signs or drawings in your street-facing windows for neighbors walking by.
- Share your stories using #GTXCares, and we’ll contact you about sharing it to our pages!
Volunteer
Volunteer with the Williamson County Medical Reserve Corps (WilcoMRC) http://www.wcchd.org/about_us/volunteer/index.php
Donate protective gear for first responders
Due to supply chain challenges, medical supplies will be critically needed by Fire/EMS treating COVID-19 patients, citizens are encouraged to donate the following supplies:
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- N-95 respirator masks and other face masks (surgical, masks used by painters, carpenters)
- Medical or disposable gloves (Nitrile preferred)
- Safety glasses
- Medical gowns
- Hand sanitizer
- Thermometers ( prefer non-contact)
Original/unopened items are preferred. Please do not donate used gloves or masks.
Drop-off: A cart will be placed in the front entry of the Public Safety Operations and Training Center, 3500 DB Wood Road from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Questions? Call 512-930-8092 or email fire@georgetown.org
Use your sewing skills to make masks
Williamson County is seeking volunteers who are experienced with embroidery and/or sewing to serve in their Mask Brigade. For information on how you can help, click here.
Donate to organizations stepping up to assist others in need
Community non-profits and faith-based organizations in Williamson County are stepping in to fill an identified gap in services. The Community Organizations Assisting in Disaster (COAD) have set up drop-off donation sites for non-medical items to be delivered to vulnerable populations and elderly residents. They are primarily in need of new goods in original packaging that are in short supply such as:
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial soap
- Disinfectant wipes
- Latex free gloves
- NEW thermometers
- Eye protection goggles or glasses
- Face shields
- Protective Gowns
- Adult and child diapers
- Cleaning supplies
Other items not listed above will not be accepted at this time. These items will be distributed to social service and non-profit organizations who will deliver them to Williamson County residents in need.
Donation drop-off center locations:
- Grace Bible Church, 2100 Shell Road, Georgetown, Monday to Thursday from Noon-5 p.m.
- Celebration Church, 601 Westinghouse Road, Georgetown, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Faith Baptist Georgetown, 111 Holmes, Liberty Hill, Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- St. Phillips, 16321 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
For more information on these drop-off sites and their hours of operation, please send an email to COVID-19@wilco.org or call 512-943-1600.
Donate to other area social services
Georgetown is fortunate to be home to many organizations that are in the business of helping people. While these organizations rely on donations all year long, the current COVID-19 situation has created the need for increased funding. Williamson County is currently collecting donations of specific items such as hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap and cleaning supplies to name a few. However, these organizations also need our financial help. If you are looking for a place to make a monetary charitable contribution, we encourage you to check out the agencies listed here.
If you know of a nonprofit not listed that is providing essential services that needs assistance, please contact pio@georgetown.org.
The Caring Place: Provides basic needs assistance, food pantry, and case management
Faith In Action: Provides transportation for older adults and serves as a medical-equipment closet
Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties: Provides utility assistance and financial case management and runs Head Start and Meals on Wheels
The Christi Center: Provides free grief and loss support
Hope Alliance: Provides shelter, advocacy, and counseling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
Helping Hands of Georgetown: Provides basic needs assistance with a focus on people experiencing homelessness
Goodwill of Central Texas: Provides education and employment assistance
Literacy Council Wilco: Provides adult education and vocational training
The Georgetown Project: Provides numerous programs to support children and youth of all ages, as well as new parents
Samaritan Center: Provides therapy at sliding scale fees
SouthEast Georgetown Community Council: Facilitates community problem solving by bridging the gaps between neighbors, city agencies, elected representatives, and other groups
CASA of Williamson County: Advocates in the best interest of children in the child welfare court system
