x
Breaking News
More () »

Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: Travis County reaches 600 coronavirus-related deaths

Here are the latest COVID-19 updates, closures and postponements in Central Texas for Monday, Jan. 18.

AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 Jan. 18 live blog.

COVID-19 numbers:

  • Texas: More than 1.8 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 32,000 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
  • Central Texas counties: 
    • Travis County: At least 61,468 cases have been reported and at least 600 people have died. At least 54,862 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Hays County: At least 12,948 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 154 people have died. At least 10,434 people have recovered from the virus. 
    • Williamson County: At least 26,265 cases have been reported in the county and at least 254 people have died. At least 24,013 people have recovered from the virus.

For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.

Updates:

9:45 p.m. – Travis County reports 686 new cases for a total of 61,468. The county also reported eight new coronavirus-related deaths for a total of 600. 

3:54 p.m. – The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed to KVUE Monday shipments of the Pfizer vaccine to be distributed statewide were delayed. 

DSHS sent KVUE the following statement: 

“DSHS has gotten word that based on federal shipping schedules, Pfizer vaccine ordered on Friday and expected to arrive today is now expected to arrive tomorrow, Jan. 19, based on the most current information from Pfizer and our federal partners. The delay impacted 55 of the 263 providers scheduled to receive vaccine this week.”

3:30 p.m. – Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra provides an update on vaccination distribution.

RELATED: 'The state is driving the bus and we are passengers in it' | Hays County judge provides update on vaccine distribution

3:15 p.m. – Texas reports 10,110 new cases for a total of 1,864,249. The 7-day average for new cases is up 3% from a week ago and 52.5% from a month ago. The state also reported 46 new deaths for a total of 32,084. 

There are currently 13,858 COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals, up 130 from yesterday, 3% from a week ago and 41% from a month ago.

In the Austin area, there are currently 702 COVID-19 patients in area hospitals and 221 in area ICUs. Those numbers are down slightly over the past two days. 

However, the area has set a new record for the 7-day average of new cases with an average of 1,333 cases per day over the past week in the Austin metro area.

2:30 p.m. – After a staff member at Presidential Meadows Elementary and a staff member at Manor Senior High School tested positive for COVID-19 over the holiday weekend, Manor ISD announces that both schools will be going 100% remote up until Feb. 1 so that other staff members can quarantine.

10 a.m. – There are now 10 patients being cared for at Austin's alternate care site at the Austin Convention Center.

WATCH: Pharmacy suggests getting on any COVID-19 waiting list you can amid State's next allocation

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: 

LIST: Here's where you can sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine waiting list in Austin

Austin pharmacy suggests getting on any COVID-19 waiting list you can amid State's next vaccine allocation

Armed gun rights advocates rally outside the Texas Capitol

Before You Leave, Check This Out