AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active. For the latest COVID-19 updates, click 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 March 10 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 2.3 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 44,600 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 77,082 cases have been reported and at least 773 people have died. At least 75,021 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 16,615 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 229 people have died. At least 15,887 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 36,079 cases have been reported in the county and at least 416 people have died.
For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data March 9
Updates:
6:40 p.m. – Travis County reported another death from COVID-19 on Wednesday along with 227 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 77,082 cases and 773 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 75,021 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 217 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 71 in the ICU and 42 on ventilators. There are 23 people being treated at the alternative care site at the Austin Convention Center.
4:30 p.m. – Hays County reported 23 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday along with two new hospitalizations and two new hospital discharges. There are 83 additional people considered recovered.
3:30 p.m. – The Texas Department of State Health Services announced that, starting March 15, Phase 1C will kick off in Texas by adding vaccine priority access to people ages 50 to 64.
Currently, the vaccine is available to frontline workers, those in long-term care facilities, people ages 65 and up, teachers and child care workers, and people ages 16 and up who have health conditions that put them at a higher risk.
To read more about the announcement, click here.
1:15 p.m. – Austin ISD says it is continuing to work with community partners to provide vaccine opportunities to staff members. Some of those organizations include Ascension Seton, CommUnityCare, Code 4 and Austin Public Health.
“These important actions by the federal and state government will ensure our schools will be that much safer for our students, teachers and families and will lead us towards more students and teachers returning to the classroom,” said Alexandra Copeland, director of health services.
Austin ISD is not currently a vaccine provider and will continue to take advantage of vaccine opportunities presented to the district. As of March 10, 2,670 vaccine opportunities have been offered to district employees.
12:30 p.m. – The school boards at Lexington ISD and Johnson City ISD have voted to no longer require masks from students, effective today along with Gov. Greg Abbott's order.
11:40 a.m. – Along with Gov. Greg Abbott's reopening order, Texas Parks and Wildlife announces that Texas State Parks has begun a "strategic and thoughtful" process to start expanding capacity statewide. While group size restrictions have been lifted, park leaders are strongly encouraging masks from visitors.
“We’re excited to welcome more visitors to our parks,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “We want Texans to know that the safety of our visitors and our park staff is our top priority as we increase visitor capacity. Prior to COVID-19, and throughout the last year, our parks have seen growing visitation and our teams are working hard to accommodate those who want to get outside and experience the incredible natural and cultural resources our parks have to offer.”
While most parks are able to expand capacity immediately, others may continue to have some capacity limits due to repairs or other operational considerations in the wake of the winter storms.
Despite increased availability, park leaders still expect capacity to be reached at some parks on weekends and holidays.
11:35 a.m. – The City of Georgetown announces that it has reopened City facilities and lobbies to the public without capacity limits. According to a city council decision, members of the public will still be required to wear a mask in City facilities. Masks will be provided to those who do not have one.
10 a.m. – The Round Rock Express announced that Dell Diamond will become a COVID-19 vaccination site beginning Friday, March 12.
9:49 a.m. – Austin Mayor Steve Adler joined KVUE Daybreak Wednesday to discuss the City's decision to continue requiring the wearing of masks. Watch here.
9:24 a.m. – The City of Round Rock issued an emergency ordinance requiring face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The ordinance remains in effect until April 29.
6 a.m. – Texas' statewide mask mandate has officially lifted, and businesses may return to operating at 100%. However, the City of Austin is still requiring masks to be worn.
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