AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated. Click here for Friday's blog.
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 11 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 2.3 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 44,800 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 77,231 cases have been reported and at least 777 people have died. At least 75,204 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 16,651 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 231 people have died. At least 15,947 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 36,192 cases have been reported in the county and at least 419 people have died.
For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data March 11
Updates:
8:10 p.m. – Travis County reported another four deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 149 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 77,231 cases and 777 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 75,204 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 202 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 68 in the ICU and 40 on ventilators. There are 21 people being treated at the alternative care site at the Austin Convention Center.
4:45 p.m. – Hays County reported two more COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, a Buda woman in her 40s and a Kyle man in his 80s. The health department also reported 36 new confirmed cases on Thursday along with two new hospitalizations and four new hospital discharges. There are 60 additional people considered recovered.
4:35 p.m. – The Travis County Sheriff's Office said it received approval to resume in-person inmate visitations starting on March 16. All visitors must wear face coverings and have their temperatures checked before being allowed to enter the visitation center. Visitors will also be asked about any potential symptoms before entering. The sheriff's office said it is also encouraging at-home video visits as an alternative.
3:30 p.m. – As of Thursday, nearly 22% of Texas's 16+ population has been vaccinated with at least one dose. In Central Texas, Mason and Gillespie lead the way at 28% and 24%, while the metro Austin core of Travis, Williamson and Hays counties are all at 18%. Lee, Caldwell and Bastrop counties are at 15%, 14% and 13%.
3:05 p.m. – The Texas Medical Association's (TMA) School Reopening Workgroup and the Texas Pediatric Society (TPS) are calling on Texans to remain vigilant and maintain preventive measures against COVID-19 as schools reopen, primarily urging school leadership to keep universal masking policies in place.
The physicians strongly recommend schools follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance in the Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Mitigation to help schools reopen and remain open, including universal mask wearing and physical distancing.
“As we work to vaccinate teachers and school staff, schools must continue to use evidence-based strategies including masking to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and keep children and staff well,” said Valerie Smith, MD, chair of TMA’s School Reopening Workgroup and TPS executive board member.
“Texas physicians recognize schools play a vital role in the developmental, mental and physical health of our children. We are grateful for the perseverance and adaptability schools have demonstrated this year as they strive to provide safe spaces for Texas children to learn,” said Dr. Smith, a Tyler pediatrician.
3 p.m. – Texas reported 3,032 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the seven-day average to 2,954 new cases per day over the past week – down 32% from a week ago. The state reported 231 COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, bringing the total to 45,106 since the pandemic began. There are 4,406 COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals statewide, down 16% from a week ago. The state's positivity rate average is at 7.13%.
The Austin metro area is at an average of 199 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past week, while the area's positivity rate average is at 2.74%.
12:30 p.m. – Austin Public Health (APH) announced Thursday afternoon that it would be releasing additional first dose appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. APH said to monitor its social media channels throughout the day for further information.
11:30 a.m. – Texas State University will hold a vaccination event on Friday, March 12. People who are eligible will be contacted by the university via e-mail and given a registration link.
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