AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This live blog is no longer active. For the latest updates, check out our new blog here.
KVUE is keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus and COVID-19 news in the Austin area.
Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's Oct. 6 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 769,300 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 16,000 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 29,900 cases have been reported and at least 434 people have died. At least 28,847 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,900 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 55 people have died. At least 4,802 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 8,800 cases have been reported in the county and at least 143 people have died. More than 8,500 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Oct. 6
Updates:
6:20 p.m. – Williamson County reported 59 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, brining the total to 8,861 since the start of the pandemic. There have been 143 deaths from COVID-19 in the county, while at least 8,514 people have recovered from the virus.
6:10 p.m. – Travis County reported four more deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday along with 95 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 29,952 cases and 434 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 28,847 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 85 people hospitalized from COVID-19, with 27 in the ICU and 16 on ventilators.
6:05 p.m. – Hays County reported 30 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday along with 63 additional people now considered recovered. The total number of confirmed cases for the county since the start of the pandemic is 5,995, with 1,138 of those considered active. At least 55 people have died.
4:05 p.m. – Weiss High School in Pflugerville becomes the second high school to postpone its football team's games after staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
Pflugerville ISD released the following statement on Tuesday: "Regarding Weiss, in an abundance of caution, the district has decided to postpone the next two games. While we only have one positive case affecting the Weiss High School football program, we do have a number of exposures among our coaching staff. In an effort to put staff and student safety first, we will be placing the program on hold for the next two weeks."
3:45 p.m. – The Williamson County Commissioners Court has approved $12 million from federal CARES Act funding to reimburse schools and school districts in Williamson County for COVID-19-related expenses.
The plan includes funding for local school districts, charter schools in Williamson County and private schools with at least 100 students, four grade levels and where students attended in person at least three days per week pre-pandemic.
The deadline for schools to apply for grant funding is Nov. 6.
The county said it still has $17 million in CARES Act funding in reserve.
2:10 p.m. – Stony Point High School in Round Rock will miss its next two scheduled football games after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a spokesperson for Round Rock ISD, the staff member had enough close contacts that it was necessary to quarantine the entire football team for two weeks. Both games are being rescheduled, the district said.
The school district sent a letter to the school’s parents, students and staff saying the local health department will begin a case investigation and contact any individuals determined to be in close contact. All students or staff will be notified by the Williamson County and Cities Health District or Austin Public Health as soon as possible, the letter said.
1:10 p.m. – Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announce the delivery of 39 pallets of hand sanitizer from Anheuser-Busch to TDEM's Central Texas warehouse. TDEM will distribute the hand sanitizer to Texas counties for use at polling locations during early voting and on Election Day.
"As Texans prepare to cast their ballots, their health and safety remains our top priority, which is why we are taking extra measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at polling locations," said Gov. Abbott. "By distributing hand sanitizer to polling locations across the state, Texans will be able to protect themselves while exercising their right to vote. Thank you to Anheuser-Busch and Silver Eagle Beverages for teaming up with the Lone Star State to help ensure the protection of voters and election workers at the ballot box."
“As a proud Texas employer, Anheuser-Busch is committed to uniting our communities, strengthening our democracy and encouraging even greater participation in the political process," said Anheuser-Busch Chief External Affairs Officer Cesar Vargas. "One part of this commitment is shifting our production capabilities to donate hand sanitizer so that election officials and voters throughout the state and rest of the country can take part in a safe election this fall. We like to say that ‘beer is bipartisan’ and we are proud to step up and serve our communities during this election season.”
10:40 a.m. – In a tweet posted Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he would be announcing more openings soon. The tweet included a GIF of two beer glasses raised in a toast, which would certainly seem to suggest the announcement is predicated on bars. KVUE looked at how the current coronavirus stats compare to June 26, the date Gov. Greg Abbott ordered bars to close.
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