AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active. For the latest updates, check out our new blog here.
KVUE is keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, news in the Austin area.
Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's July 15 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 275,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 3,300 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. More than 142,300 people have recovered.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 15,900 cases have been reported and at least 179 people have died. At least 12,300 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: Over 3,600 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 13 people have died. At least 744 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 4,100 cases have been reported in the county and at least 56 people have died. More than 3,000 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data July 15
Top headlines:
- Texas will extend time that schools will be allowed to stay online-only, Gov. Greg Abbott says
- Number of ICU hospital beds in Texas drops below 10%
- The other COVID-19 problem: Stress and anxiety are on the rise, data shows
- Gov. Greg Abbott discusses State's continued response to surge in COVID-19 cases across Texas
- Austin ISD answers questions about students returning for 2020-21 school year
Latest updates:
5:55 p.m. – As of July 15, Austin city officials have confirmed that the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the Austin-Travis County area is now 16,570.
The county has now reported 183 deaths along with 12,871 recoveries.
For an age breakdown of those cases, see the Austin-Travis County online dashboard.
5:50 p.m. – Indeed announces that it will not open any offices before July 2021. Indeed was one of the first companies to shift to an entirely remote workforce in early March.
4:40 p.m. – Williamson County officials have confirmed five additional COVID-19 deaths, bringing the death toll to 61. The deaths were a man in his 50s, a man in his 70s, a woman in her 70s and two women in their 80s.
Hays County also reported an additional death, a man in his 70s, bringing the county's total to 14. Bastrop and Burnet counties both also reported one additional death, bringing their death tolls to 12 and four, respectively.
For more on the latest case numbers by county, click here.
1:05 p.m. – The City of Georgetown announces the cancellation of the 2020 Red Poppy Festival, which had previously been rescheduled from April to October.
“We reluctantly canceled POPPtober fest out of an abundance of caution for public safety. It was clear we really had no choice,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “We’re looking forward to the best Red Poppy Festival ever in April 2021.”
Next year's festival is set for April 23-25.
The City offered an interim virtual festival for fans to celebrate from home, featuring live music from Dysfunkshun Junkshun, a video replay of the 2019 Red Poppy Parade, and a presentation of the history of red poppies in Georgetown by The Daytripper star Chet Garner.
Special T-shirts commemorating the 2020 Red Poppy Festival: Virtual Edition, were available for purchase. T-shirt sales raised $2,675, all of which benefited The Caring Place.
12:15 p.m. – As the city prepares for a surge in coronavirus deaths, the field hospital at the Austin Convention Center is set to open next week.
11:34 a.m. – $41 million in federal funds are headed to cities and counties in Texas affected by COVID-19, Gov. Greg Abbott announced. The first round of the awards, around $7 million, will be distributed this week, the governor's office said.
The office said funds will go toward "first responder overtime and hazard pay; equipment and supplies supporting teleworking technologies, social distancing and personal protective gear; county jail costs associated with the medical needs of inmates as well as reimbursement for holding inmates awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice."
10:45 a.m. – The Austin Code Department said they, along with the Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department, will continue to respond to and document complaints about violations happening at construction sites in the city. In accordance with the new ordinance passed by Austin City Council, construction sites with multiple complaints and repeat violations will be referred to the health authority for possible legal action, the code department said.
8:20 a.m. – Austin Public Health will hold a live COVID-19 Q&A at 10:30 a.m. On July 14, Dr. Escott ordered that all school districts and private schools in the county should delay reopening on-campus instruction.
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- Will I get a second stimulus check? Answers to your stimulus check questions
- McConnell: GOP virus proposal for schools, others out soon
- Number of ICU hospital beds in Texas drops below 10%
- Coronavirus under control in 8 weeks if everyone wears masks, CDC director says
- LIST: Austin businesses close permanently during COVID-19 pandemic
- Travis County coronavirus cases reach 15,998, 179 deaths