AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 May 12 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 2.4 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 49,600 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 83,145 cases have been reported and at least 863 people have died. At least 81,575 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 18,634 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 243 people have died. At least 17,993 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 39,341 cases have been reported in the county and at least 469 people have died.
For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data May 10
Updates:
9:55 p.m. – Beginning June 1, 2021, the Hays CISD mask policy will change to “mask optional,” except for UIL activities and possibly other limited occasions, the district said.
5:50 p.m. – Travis County reported two more COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday along with 83 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 83,145 cases and 863 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 81,575 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 108 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 39 in the ICU and 18 on ventilators.
5:30 p.m. – The Texas Department of State Health Services has given the green light to providers across the state to vaccinate those ages 12 to 15.
“While children are less likely than adults to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19, they can be infected with the virus and spread infection in their homes and communities,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and chair of the state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, in a letter to vaccine providers. “DSHS believes that promptly vaccinating the adolescents in this age group is another valuable tool that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic and have a direct and positive effect on schools being open for classroom learning.”
4:55 p.m. – Hays County reported two more COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, a Kyle woman in her 20s and a San Marcos woman in her 60s. The County also reported 28 new confirmed cases along with seven new hospitalizations and five new hospital discharges. There are 35 additional people considered recovered.
3:50 p.m. – CVS Health announced Wednesday that COVID-19 vaccine appointments for adolescents ages 12 to 15 are now available for scheduling at more than 5,600 Pharmacy locations nationwide, following the Food and Drug Administration's Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for this age group.
RELATED: CVS to begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to adolescents ages 12-15 after FDA's green light
1:40 p.m. – Austin ISD is loosening its COVID-19 policy for masks and gatherings, among other things, the district announced Wednesday. The district is also holding the following vaccine clinics for families and students:
Northeast ECHS, 7104 Berkman Drive
- Wednesday, May 12, 3:30 to 8 p.m.
Padron Elementary School, 2011 W. Rundberg Lane
- Thursday, May 13, 7 to 9 a.m.
Blazier Elementary School, 8601 Vertex Blvd.
- Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dobie Middle School, 1200 E Rundberg Lane
- Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Covington Middle School, 3700 Convict Hill Road
- Thursday, May 13, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Akins ECHS, 10701 S. First St.
- Thursday, May 13, 3 to 7 p.m.
McCallum High School, 5600 Sunshine Drive
- Friday, May 14, 3:30 to 8 p.m.
LBJ ECHS/LASA, 7309 Lazy Creek Drive
- Tuesday, May 18, 3 to 7 p.m.
Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Drive
- Thursday, May 20, 3 to 7 p.m.
7:05 a.m. – Austin Public Health is teaming up with its LGBTQ+ partners to host a vaccine event this weekend. It's happening on Sunday, May 16 at Givens District Park on E. 12th Street from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. We have a registration form at kvue.com/links.
7:00 a.m. – Starting Monday, May 17, masks will no longer be required inside Georgetown city facilities, but they will still be encouraged.
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