AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This live blog is no longer updating. Follow KVUE's June 17 live blog for updates on coronavirus in Central Texas.
KVUE is keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, news in the Austin area.
Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's June 16 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 89,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 1,900 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The department estimates more than 59,000 people have recovered from the virus.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 4,600 cases have been reported and at least 106 people have died. At least 3,587 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: Over 900 cases have been reported and at least five people have died. At least 267 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 900 cases have been reported in the county and at least 30 people have died. More than 580 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data June 16
Top headlines:
- City of Austin 'Stay Home, Work Safe' order extended to Aug. 15 after surge in hospitalizations
- LIST: Confirmed Central Texas coronavirus cases by county
- Austin enters Stage 4 COVID-19 risk-based level after spike in hospitalizations
- 'We need to act in a great way' | Austin Mayor Steve Adler warns of impending hospitalization surge, addresses policing changes
Latest updates:
6 p.m. – Travis County announces 107 new cases and 142 new recoveries. A total of 4,771 cases and 3,729 recoveries are now being reported. Deaths remain at 106.
5 p.m. – Hays County reports 155 new COVID-19 cases and 55 new recoveries. The county has now had a total of 1,093 confirmed cases, with 766 of those still active as of June 16. At least 322 people have recovered from COVID-19 in Hays County and five have died.
Williamson County reports its total cases have increased to 1,021. Currently, 393 of those cases remain active. At least 598 people have recovered. Deaths remain at 30.
4:30 p.m. – The City of Austin is addressing the barrier of needing the internet to register for COVID-19 testing with a nursing hotline to help with testing enrollment. If you wish to complete the COVID-19 Public Testing Enrollment Form via phone, call 512-972-5560. The call taker will then assist you in scheduling a test. The hotline hours are 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Austin Public Health is also rolling out mobile testing in neighborhoods where residents may have difficultly visiting a drive-thru testing location or CommunityCare clinic.
Additionally, people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are COVID-19 positive and don't have a place to safely isolate may utilize a free City of Austin Isolation Facility (ISOFAC). Individuals wishing to stay at the ISOFAC should call the intake line at 512-810-7554 to make arrangements.
1 p.m. – Gov. Abbott gives a live update on hospital capacity.
12:18 p.m. – Austin Pride's 30th year has been postponed to August 2021 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. More information can be found on Austin Pride's website.
12:10 p.m – San Marcos officials announced that the free COVID-19 testing site at Bonham Pre-k tested at least 701 people throughout the day on June 14.
11:30 a.m. – As the area has entered Stage 4 of risk-based guidelines, Travis County Parks will begin limiting park amenities and the use of trails and boat ramps at its open parks.
When the community resumes Stage 3 or lower, additional park amenities will open and a date will be announced to open reservations for camping sites, shelters, athletic fields and Hamilton Pool Preserve.
The following Travis County Parks remain open for day use from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for walking, hiking, biking and other permitted activities:
- Reimers Ranch Park
- Pace Bend Park (Collier boat ramp open)
- Mansfield Dam Park (No Day-Use. Boat Ramp only. No commercial use.)
- Arkansas Bend Park
- Richard Moya Park (trails, limited parking)
- Northeast Metro Park (trails, limited parking)
- Southeast Metro Park (trails, limited parking)
- East Metro Park (trails, limited parking)
- Webberville Park (Boat Ramp and trail use only)
- Little Webberville Park (Boat Ramp only)
- Loop 360 Park (Boat Ramp only. No commercial use)
- Mary Quinlan Park (Boat Ramp only. No commercial use)
- Cypress Creek Park (Boat Ramp only. No commercial use)
- Barkley Meadows Park
- Fritz Hughes Park
- Tom Hughes Park
- Selma Hughes Park
- Allen Park
- Ben E. Fisher Park
- Windmill Run Park
Amenities in these parks are closed or not operational:
- Athletic fields, swimming pool
- Commercial use of boat ramps
- Pavilions / group shelters
- Park playscapes
- Picnic Tables and BBQ Grills
The following Travis County parks remain closed to the public:
- Bob Wentz Park
- Hippie Hollow Park
- Del Valle Softball Fields
- Hamilton Pool Preserve
- Sandy Creek Park
5:30 a.m. – At 1 p.m., Gov. Greg Abbott is scheduled to give an update on the state's hospital capacity. He will be joined by Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs of the University of Texas System John Zerwas, MD, Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.
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