Shelter-in-place ... unless you're one of these hundreds of exceptions

UPDATE: Gov. Abbott's orders now supercede the city's.

Travis County issued a "Stay at Home, Safe at Work" order -- read, a shelter-in-place ordinance that requires residents to stay indoors and limit gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19.

Like any law, there are exceptions. And when we looked at the ordinance itself it was eye-opening just how many "essential activities" and "critical infrastructure" goods services made the cut.

See below for Travis County's list of exceptions, some of which appear in multiple categories (so forgive the many repetitions). For any attorneys reading this, no, this does not count as legal counsel, and if you want to make absolutely certain your activity is covered see the ordinance itself.

If you're in Williamson County click here, which is quite similar in scope. For some commentary on why these ordinances are similar read here.


Essential Activities (Travis County)

For Health and Safety. 
(Examples only):
Seeking emergency services
Obtaining medical supplies or medication
Visiting a health care professional

For Necessary Supplies and Services.
(Examples only):
Obtaining ....
Groceries and food, including pet supplies and food,
Supplies needed to work from home,
Household consumer products

For Outdoor Activity. 
(Examples only):
Walking
Hiking
Running

To Take Care of Others. 
To care for a family member or pet in another household.
To return home from or to another jurisdiction

Essential Government Functions.
Transit
Transit facilities
Transportation services
Transportation equipment and facilities
Power utility services,
Water utility services
Telecommunications utility services
Natural gas utility services
Public utilities services
Janitorial services
Sanitation services
Information and communications, including new media and press
Emergency services
Public health and medical services
Fire and law enforcement; including corrections
Public works
Court operations (such as community supervision and pre-trial service, clerk, court reporters)
Critical road, equipment, technology and infrastructure maintenance or repair

Essential Critical Infrastructure
(Federal definitions)
Banking and financial institutions
Transit and transit facilities, transportation services, equipment and facilities
Power, water, telecommunications, natural gas, public utilities and sanitation services;
Critical manufacturing (including primary metals, machinery, electrical equipment and components, health and safety products and equipment, and transportation equipment)
Information and communications, including press
Emergency services
Public health and medical services
Fire and law enforcement
Public works
Agriculture and food
Airport facilities and operations
Sanitation services
Government buildings or facilities
Construction

Essential Businesses:
Healthcare Operations such as:
Hospitals
Clinics
Dentists
Pharmacies
Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology companies
other healthcare facilities
Healthcare suppliers
Mental health providers
Substance abuse service providers
Blood banks
Medical research
Laboratory services,
Ancillary and related healthcare services
Home-based and residential-based care for seniors, adults, or children
Veterinary care and all health and welfare services provided to animals.

Stores that sell Groceries and Certain Other Essential Supplies. 
Grocery, such as
Stores
Supermarkets
Big-box stores
Farmers' markets
Food banks,
Convenience stores
Liquor stores
Other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (i.e.
cleaning and personal care products), and safety/sanitation supplies for residences.

Food Cultivation. 
Farming
Livestock
Fishing

Social Services and Charitable Organizations. 
"Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals."

News Media. 
Newspapers, television, radio, and other news media services;

Gas Stations and Businesses Needed for Transportation. 
Gas stations
Automobile dealerships,
Auto-manufacturing and assembly,
Auto-supply,
Auto repair,
Related facilities

Financial Institutions. 
Banks and related financial institutions
Consumer lenders
Sales and finance lenders
Credit unions
Appraisers
Title companies

Hardware and Supply Stores.
"Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and other material necessary to support Essential Businesses, Critical Infrastructure, and Essential Government Functions."

Critical Trades. 
Plumbers
Electricians
Exterminators
Pool cleaners
Other service providers "only to the extent that services are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, essential activities, Essential Businesses, Essential Government Services, and Critical Infrastructure, including but not limited to utilities such as electricity, gas, water and wastewater, and other public works."

Mail and Delivery Services. 
"Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes."

Educational Institutions. 
Educational institutions "including public and private K-12 schools, Colleges, and universities for purposes of temporarily closing facilities including dormitories, facilitating distance learning or
performing critical research or essential functions."

Restaurants for Consumption Off-Premises. 
Restaurants (delivery or carryout only including school cafeterias)

Supplies to Work from Home. 
Office supply stores, etc.

Supplies and Service for Essential Businesses, Critical Infrastructure and
Essential Government Functions. 
Janitorial services
Laundry services
Computers
Audio and video
Electronics
Hardware
Paint
Electrical and plumbing material
Sanitary equipment
Medical equipment
Food and beverages

Food Delivery Services. 
"Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences."

Transportation. 
Airlines
Taxis
Other private transportation providers (such as Uber and Lyft)

Home-Based Care and Services. 
"Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children, including caregivers who may travel to provide care."

Residential Facilities and Shelters. 
"Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, children and animals."

Professional Services. 
Professional services (such as legal or accounting services, insurances services, and real estate services when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities).

Information Technology 
Telecommunications Services
IT and IT services and their essential services vendors

Childcare Facilities. 
10 or fewer rules apply, different groups separated.

Moving Supply Services. 

Hotels and Motels. 

Funeral Services. 
Funerals
mortuary
cremation
burial
cemetery
Related services.

(whew!)

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Photo credit: a friend of the writer's whose wife made him a custom bumper sticker to facilitate his work as an IT professional.