AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 Sept. 3 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 621,600 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 12,800 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 26,700 cases have been reported and at least 389 people have died. At least 25,588 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,400 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 50 people have died. At least 3,368 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 7,900 cases have been reported in the county and at least 125 people have died. More than 7,700 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Sept. 3
Updates:
7:15 p.m. – Williamson County reported another death from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 22 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 8,006 cases and 126 deaths. At least 7,770 people have recovered from the virus.
7:10 p.m. – A youth development coach at the Giddings State School tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday evening, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department said.
Since the start of the pandemic, 42 staff members at the facility have tested positive, as well as 84 youths.
6 p.m. – Travis County reported another death from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 104 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 26,726 cases and 389 deaths. At least 25,558 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 129 people hospitalized from COVID-19, with 48 in the ICU and 29 on ventilators.
5:50 p.m. – Hays County reported another 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, along with three new hospitalizations, two hospital discharges and 110 additional recoveries.
The county has had a total of 5,446 cases and 50 deaths. There are 2,028 cases considered active, while at least 3,368 people have recovered from the virus.
4:45 p.m. – Travis County has issued a warning ahead of Labor Day weekend, asking residents to take extra precautions to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
"This weekend, Austin Public Health asks you to avoid gathering in large groups or with people outside of your household. COVID-19 is still spreading in Austin," the county said in a statement. "Everyone will need to stay home as much as possible, wash your hands frequently, and when in public wear a face covering and remain six feet away from others."
4:25 p.m. – Texas reported 3,899 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total to 625,347. The weekly case average is down 16%, the lowest since June 22.
The state reported 221 new deaths, taking Texas past 13,000 deaths to 13,091.
There are 4,075 hospitalizations statewide, the fewest since June 22, with the weekly average down 16% from a week ago.
The positive test rate average statewide is at 8.98%, the lowest since June 20.
4:15 p.m. – St. David's HealthCare announced the launch of a texting service to inform surgical patients' family members of key milestones throughout a patient's surgery.
“As we continue to follow strict standards during the pandemic to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, St. David’s HealthCare is using technology to keep patients and families connected,” Dr. Ken Mitchell, senior vice president and chief medical officer of St. David’s HealthCare, said. “We understand the importance of receiving frequent, real-time communication during a loved one’s surgery, and this tool allows families to receive the latest information in the safest way possible.”
The tool will be available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed by several family members with a unique code. Texts will be sent once the patient's surgery begins, when the patient leaves the operating room for recovery and when the patient is ready for outpatient services or is set to be discharged.
3:45 p.m. – Texas State University has reported 16 new confirmed COVID-19 cases since Aug. 30, with 249 total cases – 214 students and 35 faculty/staff.
10 a.m. – In two days, the University of Texas has reported 59 cases of coronavirus. On Sept. 1, 17 cases were reported while 42 were reported on Sept 2. The university is reporting cases on its coronavirus dashboard.
Terrance Hines, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, for University Health Services, released the following statement Thursday:
"Some of these numbers reflect case increases the university anticipated as students arrived in Austin. The numbers also appear to reflect increased local transmission since the start of classes. This underscores how vital it is for all members of our community to comply with health protocols and with local and state orders on gatherings and social distancing. This is especially critical at this early stage in the semester and heading into the Labor Day weekend, as people make important health decisions about gathering with friends and family. Anyone who has had difficulty being consistent with safe social distancing, masking or other preventive measures should be especially cautious about visiting loved ones or other people vulnerable to the disease over the holiday. We continue to urge students to take part in testing, contact tracing and quarantining or isolating to help us slow the spread of the virus. Testing on campus is offered at no cost to students, and it is one of the best ways they can help each other and our community. Any one of us can get and spread the virus, and every one of us can help fight it. We are safer when we work together as a community."
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