AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated.
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 Aug. 21 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 557,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 10,500 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 25,500 cases have been reported and at least 353 people have died. At least 24,200 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,200 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 45 people have died. At least 2,780 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 7,600 cases have been reported in the county and at least 112 people have died. More than 7,000 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Aug. 21
Updates:
7 p.m. – The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), City of San Marcos and Hays County have partnered to provide more free coronavirus testing at locations in San Marcos and Kyle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next week from Monday, Aug. 24, to Saturday, Aug. 29.
The San Marcos COVID-19 mobile testing site will be located at San Marcos High School (2601 Rattler Road). The Kyle mobile testing site will be at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center (979 Kohlers Crossing).
“We are pleased to bring additional free COVID-19 testing opportunities to Hays County,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “We know how important testing is to continue to battle COVID-19.”
Tests will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants will be required to wear a face cover/mask while at the testing site.
Testing is open to all ages and participants are asked not to drink or eat anything 30 minutes prior. Results can be expected about 72 to 96 hours after testing.
6:10 p.m. – Williamson County reported another 41 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total to 7,687. There have been 112 deaths and 7,079 recoveries.
5:55 p.m. – Travis County reported another seven deaths from COVID-19 on Friday along with 206 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 25,559 cases and 353 deaths. At least 24,238 people have recovered from the virus.
The county currently has 190 people hospitalized from the virus, with 67 in the ICU and 45 on ventilators.
5:45 p.m. – An update on hospital capacity for Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. David's HealthCare shows the 2,473 staffed beds within all three health care systems are 71% occupied, and the 483 ICU beds are 85% occupied.
3:45 p.m. – Hays County reported another 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total to 5,250, with 45 deaths. At least 2,780 people have recovered.
The county also reported two new hospitalizations and 47 additional recoveries on Friday.
3:20 p.m. – Austin ISD announces that it will continue to prepare and provide meals for children, and their parents or caregivers, until off-campus remote learning kicks off on Sept. 8.
AISD will also provide weekend and caregiver meals through Friday, Sept. 4.
On Sept. 8, meals will be available for students who provide documentation that they are enrolled in AISD for the 2020-21 school year.
Through Oct. 7, AISD will continue to provide free, local Farm Fresh Boxes from The Common Market Texas.
For more information, click here.
1:54 p.m. – The University of Texas at Austin has released a new report estimating COVID-19 numbers as students arrive for the first week of school. In that report, analysts estimate that up to 183 students could arrive coronavirus-positive.
1:30 p.m. – Qualifying Texans will now get an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits following a grant in federal funds, according to Gov. Greg Abbott's office.
12:45 p.m. – Compared to data from 2018, Austin Public Health says COVID-19 has surpassed the fourth-leading cause of death in Travis County. As of Aug. 20, there have been 346 coronavirus-related deaths in Travis County.
Below were the top four leading causes of deaths in 2018:
- Malignant neoplasms (cancer) – 1,229
- Heart diseases – 1,092
- Accidents (unintentional injuries) – 512
- Cerebrovascular diseases (strokes) – 337
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