The City of Galveston is instituting new restrictions effective today. This is what the city posted on their Facebook page:
Three new City of Galveston orders went into effect Friday, March 27, 2020. The orders will be in effect until at least 5 p.m. on April 3, 2020. The City of Galveston is closely monitoring the public health situation in Galveston County and COVID-19 cases. At this time, there have been 49 confirmed cases in the county.
The City of Galveston has implemented a series of measures intended to protect the health and safety of Galveston residents. Mayor James Yarbrough on Monday, March 16, 2020, signed a Declaration of a Local State of Disaster related to the emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19.)
The Galveston City Council on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 voted unanimously to extend emergency orders declared within the last week until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020. These include an order closing major attractions and bars; an order limiting restaurants to takeout or delivery services only; an order closing public beach amenities; and an order closing certain beach access points. On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, four additional orders went into effect, including a Stay at Home Order. After a vote of City Council, all orders are in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020.
On Friday, March 27, 2020, three new orders were signed by Mayor James Yarbrough under the emergency declaration. This includes an order amending the closure of short-term rental facilities; an order requiring a minimum period of stay for recreational vehicles in RV parks; and an order closing Bed and Breakfast facilities and hotels.
The new orders include:
Amended short-term rental order: This order strengthens an existing order requiring the closure of short-term rentals facilities. It shall be unlawful for an owner or a broker to lease a short-term rental. It shall also be unlawful for an individual to rent a short-term unit. All parties will be subject to daily occupancy fines.
Order requiring a minimum period of stay for recreational vehicles in RV parks: RV parks are prohibited from leasing spaces to RV owners for fewer than 30 days. RV parks users who have not leased a space for 30 or more days must vacate the premise by 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Order closing Bed and Breakfast facilities and hotels: This order prohibits hotels and Bed and Breakfasts from renting rooms to guests. The only exception is for guests who are essential employees of an essential business, as defined in the order. Existing guests who are not essential employees must vacate the premises by 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Previous orders include:
Stay at Home: Residents within the City of Galveston are ordered to stay at home unless performing essential activities or business. A list of essential activities and essential businesses is included in the order.
Short-term rental: Short-term rentals operating within the City of Galveston are prohibited from renting or leasing short-term rentals.
Electronic Amusement Games: Businesses located within the City of Galveston are prohibited from operating electronic amusement machines.
Fishing piers and charter operations: Fishing piers and charter fishing operators are prohibited from operating within the City of Galveston.
In addition to these orders, we encourage residents to continue safe social distancing and healthy hygiene practices.