x
Breaking News
More () »

Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: Austin-Travis County ICU beds 83% occupied

Here are the latest COVID-19 updates, closures and postponements in Central Texas for Tuesday, Dec. 8.

AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 and COVID-19 news in the Austin area.

Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's Dec. 8 live blog.

COVID-19 numbers:

  • Texas: More than 1.2 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 22,600 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
  • Central Texas counties: 
    • Travis County: At least 40,836 cases have been reported and at least 496 people have died. At least 37,551 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Hays County: At least 7,855 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 106 people have died. At least 6,906 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Williamson County: At least 14,827 cases have been reported in the county and at least 174 people have died. At least 13,500 people have recovered from the virus.

Updates:

9:50 p.m. – Manor ISD reports a second COVID-19 case at Manor Elementary Early Learning Center. According to the district's dashboard, there are currently two active cases among students and four active cases among staff.

There have been a total of nine confirmed cases among Manor ISD students and 29 among staff.

6:15 p.m. – Austin-Travis County health officials announce 355 new cases and one more death. There have now been a total of 40,836 cases, 37,551 recoveries and 496 deaths.

6:05 p.m. – Austin Public Health is revising its guidelines for quarantining if you've been exposed to COVID-19, in line with recent changes made by the CDC last week.

RELATED: CDC shortens quarantine guideline to 10 days; 7 days with negative test 

5:15 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports 43 new lab-confirmed cases along with one new hospitalization, no new hospital discharges and 82 additional people now considered recovered. The total number of individuals considered recovered is 6,906.

Williamson County is now reporting a total of 14,827 cases, 13,500 recoveries and 174 deaths.

4 p.m. – According to Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. David's HealthCare, the 2,473 staffed beds within all three health care systems are 75% occupied and the 483 ICU beds are 83% occupied.

RELATED: ICU beds in Austin-Travis County nearing capacity

10:45 a.m. – According to AISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, 43 people who took a free rapid COVID-19 test from the district tested positive for the virus. More than 1,700 people were tested.

WATCH: Avoid hugs before and during the holidays, WHO says

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: 

More large gatherings spark concern for Austin residents

'Christmas star': Jupiter and Saturn align to create the visible bright light in our sky for first time in almost 800 years

VERIFY: Will the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility in women?

Before You Leave, Check This Out