The city of Waco has been ordered to shelter in place.

According to a report from our news partners at KWTX, Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver announced on Monday a order for the city to shelter in place effective at 11:59 PM Monday, March 23. The order is in compliance with a countywide order across McLennan County.

In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, residents are being asked to remain in their homes and only leave for essential trips such as to a healthcare facility, grocery store, or pharmacy.

The order does not prohibit residents from going outside or to local parks, but you should still follow social distancing standards while walking, running, bicycling, or hiking.

All non-essential businesses must close under the order, except for those considered essential.

Under the order, essential businesses include:

  • Grocery stores
  • Convenience stores
  • Health care facilities
  • Restaurants
  • Laundry mats & cleaners
  • Banks
  • Plumbers & Electricians
  • Media
  • Shipping Agencies
  • Child Care facilities
  • Janitorial services

While some may be opposed to the shelter in place order, this will help flatten the curve of COVID-19 so that hospitals and healthcare facilities do not become overfilled and overwhelmed.

We should work together as a community to limit the spread of the virus, and try to the best of our ability to limit close contact with others.

So far, 17 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Waco-McLennan County.

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