City offers remote services as public lobbies, counters close

San Marcos closed many public facilities Friday to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The City of San Marcos made this decision in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and is closing all public-facing service counters and most public facilities.

“Such decisions are not made lightly," City Man ager Bert Lumbreras said. "We use the best information from regional partners and trusted health organizations to protect the public and our employees from the spread of this virus.”

The city is currently at a level 4, an escalated level, due to the six cases of the virus in Hays County, risk of illness, media attention, international travel restrictions and business closures.

The city and Hays County opened a limited joint Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday.

“Limited activation of the EOC allows all regional government partners to collaborate most effectively in one place,” Lumbreras said. “This coordination is especially important as the situation status is changing rapidly and we all want to make the best decisions for community health and allocation of resources.”

All lobbies and public counters at city buildings will be closed to the public until further notice. Some business will continue to be conducted in city facilities but on a limited, by-appointment basis.

Many city services will still be offered by phone and email. Visit sanmarcostx.gov/279/ Coronavirus-and-Flu-Information-and-Prev for infor mation about how to access specific services.

Buildings that are closed to the public include the San Marcos Electric Utility, the Municipal Building, City Hall, the Grant Harris, Jr. (Parks) building, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, the Tourism Information Center, Main Street offices, public areas and lobbies of fire and police stations, the Library, Activity Center and Pool, Senior Center and Discovery Center.

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered bars, restaurants, clubs, gyms, schools and daycares close Friday as well. Gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited as well as visitation of nursing or retirement homes.