City of Austin Cultural Grants: "We continue to monitor and re-evaluate the" [unprecedented] "situation daily" (Info Links, Little Guidance), March 12

(images: Cultural Arts Division

 
 
I am reaching out to keep our communications open and share pertinent updates as our community organizes in response to the increasing concerns of COVID-19. 
 
Last week, Austin-Travis County leaders declared a “local state of disaster” to proactively increase preventative measures and mitigation plans for events in the region. The City of Austin is closely monitoring this developing situation on all fronts. 
 
 
As the Economic Development Department, our team is diligently working to develop the unprecedented path forward for our local creative industries and small businesses. 
 
Know that we hear your concerns and your questions. We will face these challenging circumstances with your safety and well-being at the forefront of everything we do. 
 
As a first step, I’ve gathered helpful resources in this newsletter to ensure that you’re informed on what has been determined to date.
 
Information by Categories:
Event Organizers & Venue Operators
Health & Safety
Support Local
General Resources
 
I know that the resiliency of Austin will shine through over the coming weeks. Together, we will ensure Austin remains a sustainable and prosperous place for all. 
 
In support, 
 
Veronica Briseño
Director, City of Austin Economic Development Department
 
EVENT ORGANIZERS & VENUE OPERATORS
 
Information for venues and event organizers concerning mass gathering risk factors and event evaluation criteria are now available on  the City of Austin’s COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions webpage. This process is subject to change based on the developing COVID-19 impacts on Austin-Travis County. Event organizers can get the latest information at www.austintexas.gov/ACE .
 
From now through May 1, events with 2,500 or more people are prohibited unless organizers are able to assure Austin Public Health (APH) that mitigation plans for infectious diseases are in place. Each event will be evaluated case-by-case.  View mass gathering criteria online . 
 
Please call 3-1-1 or email Austin Public Health at  EHSD.service@austintexas.gov   with questions concerning disease mitigation measures.
 
HEALTH & SAFETY 
 
Austin Public Health is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in coordination with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local and regional public health and healthcare agencies.
 
All businesses and restaurants are urged to display information to encourage people to follow good hygiene practices to keep the community safe. A printable version of the good hygiene flyer is available for download in  English   and  Spanish .
 
To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including flu and COVID-19, follow these measures:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  •  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick. 
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
 
SUPPORT LOCAL
 
We encourage you to support local businesses across Austin this week and every week. 
 
Without SXSW, some in our community could really feel the pinch. You can help. Go out to eat, drink & listen to live music. Support the artists, businesses, and working people who make Austin special. Want to do more? Contribute here
- Mayor Steve Adler
#StandWithAustin tweet from Austin Mayor Adler
 
GENERAL RESOURCES
 
 
For emergency planning resources: www.GetBackInBusinessAustin.org
 
To search business assistance: www.austintexas.gov/small-business-resources
 
Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts: www.talarts.org
 
Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas: www.AustinLRS.org
 
Texas Society of CPAs in Central Texas: www.tscpa.org/centex
 
We continue to monitor and re-evaluate the situation daily and our health officials are prepared to respond as needed. We are in constant communication with other professionals in cities, counties, and states across the country, evaluating information and practices from around the world. If local public health officials report any change in their assessment or recommendations, immediate action will be taken.