AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated. Click here for Saturday'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 26 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 2.3 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 46,800 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 78,661 cases have been reported and at least 812 people have died. At least 76,918 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 17,044 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 236 people have died. At least 16,414 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 36,920 cases have been reported in the county and at least 445 people have died.
For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data March 26
Updates:
6:10 p.m. – Travis County reported another death from COVID-19 on Friday along with 59 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 78,661 cases and 812 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 76,918 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 152 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 54 in the ICU and 33 on ventilators.
4:05 p.m. – Texas reported 2,239 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total to 2,381,859. The seven-day average is at 2,284 new cases per day over the past week – down 27% from a week ago. Texas reported 118 new COVID-19 deaths on Friday, bringing the total to 46,986. There are 3,415 COVID-19 patients hospitalized statewide in Texas, down 9% from a week ago. The state's positivity rate average is at 5.43%.
The Austin metro reported an average of 175 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past seven days. The metro's positivity rate average is at 2.36%. There have been 2,084 COVID-19 deaths in the 12-county Central Texas KVUE viewing area since the pandemic began.
4 p.m. – As of Friday, March 26, Texas has administered 10 million COVID-19 vaccines across the state, with more than 30% of eligible Texans having received a vaccine.
"Hitting 10 million vaccines today is a major accomplishment in our state's continued fight against COVID-19," said Gov. Greg Abbott. "I want to thank all the health care workers and volunteers that made this milestone possible. However, the fight is not over. Vaccines are the most effective tool to combat COVID-19 in our communities, and we will continue to expand vaccine access for those who choose to get vaccinated. As more vaccines become available and eligibility opens to all Texans, I urge Texans who wish to get the COVID-19 vaccine to sign up to help us keep our communities safe. Here in Texas, COVID-19 vaccines will always be strongly encouraged and always voluntary."
3:55 p.m. – Hays County reported 28 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday along with one new hospitalization. There are36 additional people considered recovered.
2:46 p.m. – A court has decided that Austin and Travis County's mask mandate is legal.
12:30 p.m. – On Thursday, the Austin City Council voted unanimously to support Agenda Item 66, directing the city manager to address the continued impact of COVID-19. It calls to prioritize mobile vaccine clinics, mental health resources and employee protections to better assist those in need.
“This resolution signifies a meaningful moment during a month that marks a grim milestone,” said Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes, who authored the item. “One year into the pandemic, we are still seeing people of color and marginalized folks experience the inequities highlighted by this pandemic. With this vote, we’re going to get mobile vaccine clinics in areas of need and protect employees who currently have to choose between their livelihood and their health.”
It also works to increase access to food as well as pushes for additional funding and grants for small businesses.
“Just about every stage of this pandemic has illuminated an old set of vulnerabilities we’ve ignored for far too long,” said co-sponsor Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison. “With the federal government stepping up and offering a historic relief package, I’m excited to see what kind of opportunities we can take to complete a resounding alley-oop for equity.”
8:15 a.m. – The African American Youth Harvest Foundation is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday in partnership with the Central Texas Allied Health Institute. The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 6633 Highway 290 East, Suite 306 on the third floor. No appointment is required.
8:07 a.m. – More than a quarter of Travis County adults have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Data shows more than 29% of Travis County adults have received at least one dose, with 12% fully vaccinated.
6 a.m. – Austin ISD is hosting post-spring break drive-thru COVID-19 testing events from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both Northeast Early College High School and the Austin ISD central office. Testing is free for district students and staff.
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