Dozens of people gather at Barton Creek below the dam at Barton Springs Pool on March 25, the first day of the shelter-in-place order in Austin spurred by the coronavirus pandemic. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN] ▲ Dozens of people gather at Barton Creek below the dam at Barton Springs Pool on March 25, the first day of the shelter-in-place order in Austin spurred by the coronavirus pandemic. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN] ▲

Barking Springs, the area below the dam at Barton Springs Pool, has been closed because "park users were gathering in groups and not allowing enough physical distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Austin park officials said Friday in a tweet.

Hours after Austin Mayor Steve Adler announced a stay-at-home order March 25, dozens of people were seen gathering in close proximity to one another at the spilloff at Barton Creek. Harsh criticism erupted on social media, and Adler said actions like that endanger the entire community.

According to the order, only essential businesses are allowed to stay open, including hospitals, grocery stores, gas stations and media outlets. People are strongly encouraged to stay home if they're able, and all social gatherings of family or friends of different households are forbidden. People must stay 6 feet apart whenever possible.

Austin officials received 180 calls March 27 from residents reporting gatherings or businesses suspected of violating new stay-at-home orders related to the coronavirus pandemic.

For the most part, Austin park green space, trails and golf course greens have so far remained open. Officials have closed all park amenities — with the exception of restrooms and water fountains — including basketball courts, tennis courts, skate parks, playgrounds, exercise equipment and pavilions.

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