AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated.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 25 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 2.3 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 46,700 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 78,602 cases have been reported and at least 811 people have died. At least 76,798 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 17,017 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 236 people have died. At least 16,379 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 36,821 cases have been reported in the county and at least 443 people have died.
For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data March 25
Updates:
7:15 p.m. – APH is gearing up to release 6,000 first-dose vaccine appointments.
5:50 p.m. – Travis County reported five more deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 106 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 78,602 cases and 811 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 76,798 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 160 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 57 in the ICU and 35 on ventilators.
4:40 p.m. – Around 29.4% of the 16+ population in Texas has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 3.35 million fully vaccinated.
Texas reported 2,167 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 2,377,275. The seven-day average is at 2,329 new cases per day over the past week, down 32% from a week ago. Texas reported 132 new COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, bringing the total to 46,868. There are 3,410 COVID-19 patients currently in Texas hospitals statewide, down 11% from a week ago. The state's positivity rate average is at 5.68%.
The Austin metro is at an average of 169 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past week – down 16% from a week ago. The metro's positivity rate average is at 2.16%. There have been 2,077 deaths from COVID-19 in the 12-county Central Texas KVUE viewing area since the start of the pandemic.
4:35 p.m. – Hays County reported 60 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Thursday along with one new hospitalization and two new hospital discharges. There are 23 additional people considered recovered.
3:25 p.m. - The Williamson County Commissioners Court voted to support the allocation of $10 million in additional CARES Act assistance to businesses hit hard by the pandemic. The funds are to be distributed through the Wilco Forward grant program.
This latest round of funds will give direct cash assistance to qualifying businesses of $500/employee up to $10,000. Qualifying businesses mainly include bar, restaurant, hotel and hospitality businesses. Applications will be available and accepted beginning Wednesday, March 17.
2:11 p.m. - Gov. Greg Abbott is giving an update on vaccines in Texas. Watch in the video above or on KVUE's YouTube channel.
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