AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active. For the latest updates, check out our new blog 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 Nov. 5 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 926,400 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 18,300 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 32,748 cases have been reported and at least 456 people have died. At least 31,203 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 6,313 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 91 people have died. At least 5,861 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 9,815 cases have been reported in the county and at least 158 people have died. At least 9,408 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Nov. 5
Updates:
6:55 p.m. – Travis County reported 143 new confirmed cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 32,748 cases and 456 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 31,203 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 132 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 52 in the ICU and 20 on ventilators.
Williamson County reported another three deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 60 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 9,815 cases and 158 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 9,408 people have recovered from the virus.
5:35 p.m. – Hays County reported 48 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday along with 19 additional people now considered recovered. There were no new hospitalizations or hospital discharges.
5 p.m. – Texas currently has 5,954 people in the hospital statewide, up 6.5% from a week ago and up 79% from a month ago. The state's positivity rate average is at 10.91% and has been over 10% every day since Oct. 22.
4:55 p.m. – Manor ISD has reported another positive case of COVID-19, this time a student at Oak Meadows Elementary.
The student was not on campus beyond the past week. Students who were in close contact with this student have been asked to self-quarantine through Nov. 11.
"The Manor ISD Operations department took the precaution of closing the classrooms affected to sanitize the area(s) where this individual spends their day," the district said. "All other scholars at Oak Meadows Elementary will continue to receive in-person instruction at the campus. It is safe to return to school tomorrow. "
4:45 p.m. – Another youth development coach at the Giddings State School has tested positive.
Since the start of the pandemic, 45 staff members and 89 youth have tested positive.
4:20 p.m. – Texas reported 8,332 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday statewide, bringing the total to 934,994 cases since the start of the pandemic. The seven-day case average is the highest since Aug. 17 and up 17% from a week ago. It is up 99% – nearly double – from a month ago.
There were 133 new deaths from COVID-19 reported in Texas on Thursday, bringing the total to 18,453 since the start of the pandemic.
4:05 p.m. – The Kyle City Council voted to extend the Kyle Cares Grant program amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The program helps Kyle residential utility customers have uninterrupted access to services, including water, wastewater, solid waste and storm drainage, the City said. The grant will now cover utility bills through Dec. 30.
For more information or to fill out an application for the grant program, visit the City's website.
9:26 a.m. – Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will give $202 million in emergency SNAP benefits for November as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
7:23 a.m. – On Nov. 4, Austin Public Health reported 1,034 active cases of COVID-19 in Austin and Travis County, which is the highest report of active cases since Aug. 15. The city said more than half of those who tested positive through APH have been adults between the ages of 20 and 39.
"These numbers indicate that those who recently participated in a gathering have had a higher risk of encountering someone infected with the virus," the APH said in a statement. "We encourage everyone who was involved in gatherings outside of their household this weekend (ex. Halloween parties) to get tested for COVID-19 this week."
You can sign up for free testing through APH online or by calling 512-972-5560.
6 a.m. – A new coronavirus case was reported at Decker Elementary School. Wednesday evening, the school said a campus staff member tested positive for the virus. Third grad students who attend this school and any siblings who attend Manor ISD schools are required to self-quarantine for the next two days (through Nov. 6) until further notice. The school is now being deep cleaned and sanitized.
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