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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 16 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 282,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 3,400 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. More than 149,200 people have recovered.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 16,980 cases have been reported and at least 189 people have died. At least 13,300 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: Over 3,800 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 14 people have died. At least 801 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 4,300 cases have been reported in the county and at least 65 people have died. More than 3,100 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data July 16
Top headlines:
- Texas classrooms can stay closed this fall without losing state funding if local health officials order it
- LIST: Which Central Texas school districts are shutting down sports, extra curricular activities due to COVID-19 and which aren't
- 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%
- Gov. Greg Abbott discusses State's continued response to surge in COVID-19 cases across Texas
Latest updates:
6:15 p.m. - As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge across Central Texas, Jubilee Academies announced it is delaying the first day of school to Monday, Aug. 17, 2020.
Jubilee said parents can anticipate communication the week of Aug. 10-14 from campuses to issue technology devices and printed resources to students in order for them to be prepared for the first day.
6 p.m. - Travis County reported another six deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday, as well as 413 new cases, bringing the total to 16,983 cases and 189 deaths. At least 13,321 people have recovered from the virus.
There are currently 479 people hospitalized in Travis County from COVID-19, with 151 in the ICU and 103 on ventilators.
4:45 p.m. - Hays County reported another 47 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, with 40 recoveries and no new hospitalizations.
There have been a total of 3,816 confirmed cases in the county, with at least 801 recovered. Fourteen people have died from the virus.
4:30 p.m. - Williamson County reported four more deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday – all women, with one in her 60s, another in her 70s and two women in their 90s. The county has had a total of 65 deaths related to coronavirus.
“These are not just residents of Williamson County that we have lost, these are grandparents, parents, spouses and friends. My heart goes out to the families that are mourning these tragedies. COVID-19 may be in our community, but we have the tools to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and those who are most vulnerable to this disease. Face coverings, hand washing, cleaning surfaces, and social distancing can help save valuable lives,” said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell.
Burnet County reported another death from COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total to five.
4:10 p.m. - Texas reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, with 129, bringing the state total to 3,561. There were 10,291 new cases in Texas on Thursday, the third straight day over 10,000.
3:35 p.m. - The St. David's Foundation said it is opening applications for its second phase of COVID-19 Recovery Funding on July 20. The second phase will prioritize communities that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic, including people of color, people with disabilities, homeless people, refugees, immigrants and LGBTQ communities, the foundation said.
Anyone with questions about applying and eligibility can visit the foundation's website.
2:05 p.m. - According to a joint statement from Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. David’s HealthCare, 2,473 staffed beds within all three healthcare systems are currently 74% occupied, and the 483 ICU beds are 89% occupied.
2 p.m. - Data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission shows that COVID-19 is surging inside the state's nursing homes. The HHSC noted 453 new cases of coronavirus during the week of May 17. New cases reached 1,212 the week of July 5.
Here in Central Texas, a northwest Austin nursing home confirmed that more than 50 people at its building have tested positive.
RELATED:
1:05 p.m. - Is Texas headed for a lockdown? It’s the question on everyone’s mind. The governor said at a press conference Thursday it’s avoidable if everyone follows the face mask mandate
10:53 a.m. - Amazon said the company has donated more than 165,000 non-surgical masks to Direct Relief in Texas.
8:30 a.m. - Child care centers and providers in Austin impacted by the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to sign up for a new grant program. "The Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant is a $1 million fund that will provide grants up to $50,000 to reimburse eligible operating expenses for childcare providers."
The grant will be live online starting July 21 at 10 a.m. at ATXrecovers.com.
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- Demand for jobless aid high, even as economy slowly picks up
- Will you get a fine for having a wedding in Austin-Travis County?
- Travis County coronavirus cases reach 16,570, 183 deaths
- Will I get a second stimulus check? Answers to your stimulus check questions
- Hays County reports 2,974 active COVID-19 cases, 14 deaths
- Coronavirus: Williamson County confirms 4,327 cases, 61 deaths