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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 Oct. 7 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 769,300 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 16,000 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 29,900 cases have been reported and at least 434 people have died. At least 28,847 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,900 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 55 people have died. At least 4,802 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 8,800 cases have been reported in the county and at least 143 people have died. More than 8,500 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Oct. 7
Updates:
6 p.m. – Austin-Travis County health officials add two more deaths, bringing total to 436. There have now been 29,997 cases and 28,891 recoveries reported.
5:50 p.m. – Williamson County announces one more death, bringing the total to 144. There have now been 8,882 cases and 8,531 recoveries reported.
5 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports 14 new lab-confirmed cases, along with one new hospitalization, one new hospitalization discharge, and 120 additional people now considered recovered. The total number of lab-confirmed cases is 5,965 with 1,171 of those considered active (367 from the past 21 days).
4:40 p.m. – House of Torment will not open for the 2020 Halloween season. The company released a statement Wednesday, saying that it has been working with the City of Austin over the past few weeks and "despite submitting multiple plans that exceed Texas' requirements for safely opening," the popular attraction has not received approval.
House of Torment said it is working on an alternative way to celebrate the season and its sister attraction, 13th Floor Haunted House in San Antonio, is open now. All orders for this season have been issued full refunds.
12:10 p.m. – The Salvation Army Williamson County announces that it will be expanding its rent/utility assistance resources for residents impacted by COVID-19 after a 60% increase in requests.
The Salvation Army will be working with the Wilco Forward Phase III program, along with The Caring Place and the Round Rock Serving Center, to distribute $5 million in CARES Act funding for rent and utility assistance to county residents. The Service Center is also partnering with three area agencies to assist clients who do not have access to a computer or need help with the required documentation. Once the application is finalized, it can be processed by The Service Center.
If you need assistance, contact one of the following agencies to make an appointment.
Community Resource Centers of Texas, Inc.
Phone: 512-548-5091
Address: 155 Hillcrest Lane, Suite B
Hours of operation: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Contact name: Robbie Shader, Site Coordinator
Hill Country Community Ministries
Phone: 512-259-0360 x 201
Address: 1005 Lacy Drive, Leander, Texas 78641.
Hours of operation: Friday 9 a.m.-noon; 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Operation Liberty Hill
Phone: 512-778-4175 (Ask for Susan)
Address: 1401 N Hwy 183, Leander, Texas 78641
Hours of operation: Tues. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. noon-6 p.m.
The Salvation Army has also been awarded $50,000 from the Georgetown Health Foundation to be used for families affected by COVID-19.
10:50 a.m. – Leaders with Austin Public Health held a Q&A regarding the coronavirus pandemic in the Austin area Wednesday morning. In regard to bars reopening, Mark Escott, Austin's top doctor, said, "The evidence that we have regarding methods of transmission in our community points to social gatherings. There would have to be substantial changes to the way of our functions to make it safe."
In regard to celebrations and gatherings during Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, Escott said this season is "going to look different."
"To show love for our family this year, we have to do distancing. We have to have distanced-celebrations. Celebrations should only include members of your household," said Escott.
You can watch the full briefing on KVUE's YouTube channel:
9:44 a.m. – Gov. Greg Abbott announced he plans to open more Texas businesses soon, hinting at the possibility of reopening bars. Austin Mayor Steve Adler responded to Abbott's tweet, saying he's concerned.
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