City of Austin forces grocery stores to go the extra step for social distancing

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin decided to take another step in its social distancing measures Saturday night.

Mayor Steve Adler signed an updated order requiring grocery stores, pharmacies and warehouse stores, to establish controls for social distancing. The order requires a six foot separation between people in line in front of and inside the stores.

The City says this order is already in effect starting Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

“While the City is doing well minimizing close interactions, we must do more to reduce the number of people congregating closely at stores,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “This new City Order issued tonight requires this, and adds requirements for certain critical infrastructure to help ensure they are able to maintain operations. Let’s stay focused on physical separation, and do our part to flatten the curve.”