Travis County is closing its park system over the Fourth of July holiday weekend period as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge in Central Texas.

As the threat of COVID-19 continues to rise, park officials say they could remain closed past the holiday. 

On Monday, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe recommended all local governments cancel publicly sponsored events and close public spaces in advance of the Fourth of July weekend to discourage social gatherings.

“The health and safety of our fans, artists, partners, staff and the entire Austin community remains our highest priority,” festival organizers said Wednesday in a statement canceling the popular festival.

The bar owners say in the lawsuit that Abbott’s order violates their constitutional rights and “may very well leave long-term scarring on the Republican form of government if left unchecked.”