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Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: Austin leaders react as Gov. Abbott's executive order on masks goes into effect

Here are the latest COVID-19 updates, closures and postponements in Central Texas for Friday, May 21.

AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated.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 May 21 live blog.

COVID-19 numbers:

  • Texas: More than 2.5 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 50,000 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
  • Central Texas counties: 
    • Travis County: At least 83,524 cases have been reported and at least 866 people have died. At least 82,204 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Hays County: At least 18,775 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 245 people have died. At least 18,275 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Williamson County: At least 39,602 cases have been reported in the county and at least 473 people have died.

For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.

Updates:

9 p.m. – Gov. Greg Abbott said on Friday Texas recorded the fewest COVID-19-related hospitalizations in more than 11 months. He said the state also recorded the lowest seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate since it began keeping the data.

6:55 p.m. – Travis County reported 29 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total to 83,524 cases and 866 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 82,204 people have recovered from the virus.

Travis County currently has 91 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 28 in the ICU and 21 on ventilators.

4:50 p.m. – Simon Property Group, which operates The Domain and Barton Creek Square Mall, said at properties where there is no state or local mask mandate, such as Austin, visitors who are fully vaccinated may enter without a face mask. If you are not fully vaccinated, you are asked to where a mask.

2:08 p.m. – The Pedernales Fire Department will host a small, 70-dose vaccine clinic on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. and lasting through 3 p.m. Firefighters will administer doses at 801 Bee Creek Road. To sign up, click here.

1:12 p.m. – Today, Gov. Greg Abbott's Executive Order restricting government officials from enforcing mask-wearing and other COVID-19 health protocols goes into effect. 

“The governor is trying to overrule the local health authority, especially their ability to protect children: we don’t think he has that right,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “We are already fighting the governor in court on masking. But at this moment we have decided not to focus on a fight with the governor but rather on the rules people should follow to protect our health. If you're vaccinated, it is still encouraged to wear a mask around vulnerable people. And if you are not vaccinated, you’re now at even greater risk and you should get a vaccine. It is now easier than ever to get a vaccine -- you can find a walk-up clinic without an appointment in more places, and eligibility has expanded to those 12 years of age and older."

“The governor’s order leaves some of our most vulnerable unprotected,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “Our local health authority recommends people to be COVID-wise by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and getting vaccinated to protect our entire community. If you are unvaccinated, now is the time to get a vaccine. You can go to the Travis County Expo Center from 9 am to 5 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday without an appointment. To find a full list of places to get a vaccine, go to vaccines.gov.”

12:30 p.m. – Hays County is now sharing multiple COVID-19 resources available to the public via FEMA, including funeral assistance, emergency broadband and a crisis hotline. For more information, check these links or call the numbers below:

  • Funeral assistance: 844-684-6333 
  • Emergency broadband: 833-511-0311
  • Crisis hotline: 1-800-985-5990 

11 a.m.  Austin public health leaders still recommend that partially and unvaccinated people continue to wear masks in most situations, but doing so is no longer required as of Friday, May 21. 

5:30 a.m. – Beginning today, under an executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week, governmental entities – including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities and government officials – are prohibited from requiring or mandating mask-wearing.  

Local governments or officials that attempt to impose a mask mandate or impose a limitation that's inconsistent or conflicting with the executive order can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, the governor's order states. Learn more.

WATCH: Nearly 1 million Texans overdue for second COVID-19 vaccine

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