AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 Aug. 19 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 550,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 10,200 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 25,000 cases have been reported and at least 346 people have died. At least 23,772 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,200 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 43 people have died. At least 2,649 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 7,600 cases have been reported in the county and at least 110 people have died. More than 6,800 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Aug. 19
Updates:
5:50 p.m. – Travis County reported another nine deaths from COVID-19 on Wednesday along with 303 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 25,062 cases and 346 deaths. At least 23,772 people have recovered from the virus.
There are currently 215 people hospitalized from COVID-19 in Travis County, with 78 in the ICU and 55 on ventilators.
5:30 p.m. – Williamson County said five more people have died from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 110. The county reported another 43 confirmed cases on Wednesday, for a total of 7,624. At least 6,824 people have recovered.
5:15 p.m. – Hays County reported another two deaths from COVID-19 on Wednesday, a San Marcos woman in her 90s and a Kyle man in his 70s. Both were hospitalized at the time of their death.
The county reported 18 new confirmed cases along with three new hospitalizations and 61 additional recoveries, bringing the total to 5,210 cases and 43 deaths. At least 2,649 people have recovered from the virus.
5 p.m. – A Leander ISD employee has died due to complications from COVID-19. According to a letter sent to Akin Middle School families, Lillian Gallagher was a two-year member of the Child Nutrition Services team.
3 p.m. – Bastrop County Local Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes met with school superintendents and local officials this week to cover testing and DSHS reporting issues. Dr. Walkes offered advice for reopening schools based on the number of cases and other local data such as the positivity rate.
"It is critical that everyone make every effort to exercise good hygiene and take personal responsibility as we enter this new school year," Dr. Walkes said. "With proper precautions, we are hopeful that things will go well for the students, teachers, and administration."
1:20 p.m. – Several school districts in Central Texas have started remote and in-person classes. Next week, many students at the University of Texas at Austin will return to campus, and Austin's top doctor said, "there's no doubt we're going to see cases associated with schools and universities."
10:37 a.m. – Starting Wednesday, Aug. 19, Eanes and Lake Travis school districts are starting remote-only learning. Students in Marble Falls, Wimberly, Harper and Flatonia have the option to return to school Aug. 19 either remotely or in person.
9 a.m. – Austin Public Health will answer COVID-19 questions at 10 a.m.
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