AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 Nov. 8 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 956,200 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 18,700 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 33,168 cases have been reported and at least 457 people have died. At least 31,463 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 6,413 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 91 people have died. At least 5,917 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 9,848 cases have been reported in the county and at least 158 people have died. At least 9,440 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Nov. 9
Updates:
5:25 p.m. – CapMetro announced Monday that one of its longtime bus operators had died from COVID-19. Here is the statement released from the company:
"We are deeply saddened to share that we lost a member of our Capital Metro family on November 8. Yesterday, a longtime bus operator who joined Capital Metro in 1986 died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was loved by his colleagues and customers and would have celebrated his 34-year anniversary with Capital Metro next month.
We mourn the passing of our friend and colleague and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time. Everyone who came in close contact with this employee has been notified."
5 p.m. – Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 82 new lab-confirmed cases since Friday’s report and 45 additional people now considered recovered. There are five (5) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. As of Nov. 9, Hays County has had 6,413 lab-confirmed cases. Of those, at least 405 remain active with at least 5,917 recoveries reported. The county has had at least 91 COVID-19 deaths.
For more information on the previously reported Hays County cases, click here.
2:30 p.m. – The City of Taylor announces the cancelation of its annual downtown Christmas parade due to "ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic." The Wine Swirl and Christmas Fair events that have been traditionally held in December are also canceled this year.
The City said it will continue the tradition of decorating Heritage Square and the park will be open to the public during the holiday season. The farmers' market will also continue to be open at the Heritage Square Pavilion on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
2:20 p.m. - On Monday, Pfizer announced that early results from its COVID-19 vaccine study suggest the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. Nearly 200 patients from Austin have participated in the Pfizer study since August.
1:50 p.m. – According to health officials, the coronavirus pandemic has progressed in a negative direction in the past month.
1:15 p.m. – Austin Public Health gave their weekly update at a briefing Monday. You can watch the briefing on KVUE's YouTube channel:
12:45 p.m. – The Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) reports two new positive COVID-19 cases among the inmate population and seven new cases among TCSO employees.
There have been a total of 50 positive cases among inmates and 82 cases among TCSO employees.
8:20 a.m. – Austin leaders will give a COVID-19 update in a Q&A Monday morning at 10 a.m.
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