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KVUE is keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, news in the Austin area.
Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's Aug. 24 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 577,500 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 11,300 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 25,890 cases have been reported and at least 362 people have died. At least 24,672 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,200 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 45 people have died. At least 2,780 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 7,600 cases have been reported in the county and at least 112 people have died. More than 7,000 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Aug. 24
Updates:
6 p.m. – As of Aug. 24, Austin city officials have confirmed that the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the Austin-Travis County area is now 25,890.The county has now reported 362 deaths along with 24,672 recoveries. For an age breakdown of those cases, see the Austin-Travis County online dashboard.
5 p.m. – Williamson County is reporting one additional COVID-19 death since Friday, bringing the county's total coronavirus-related deaths to 113. The county has had 7,747 total confirmed cases, 372 of which are estimated to be active. The county has had 7,262 recoveries.
Hays County is reporting 5,297 total cases, 2,423 of which are considered active. The county has had 2,829 recoveries and 45 deaths.
2:10 p.m. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces a $2.2 million grant has been awarded to the City of Round Rock as part of the CARES Act.
The grant will support transit operating, administrative and preventive maintenance costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
12:12 a.m. – St. David’s HealthCare announced Monday that it would be offering sports physicals to student-athletes for $20 at 13 different locations in the Austin area. The offer is available through Aug. 31, according to St. David's HealthCare.
Dr. David Wasserman, market medical director of St. David’s CareNow, strongly encourages parents to have their kids examined to ensure safe participation in school sports.
“While it’s not required at all school districts, we highly recommend having your child examined before returning to school sports,” Dr. Wasserman said.
Prior to a sports physical visit, parents should keep the following tips in mind:
- For the 2020-21 school year, any participant in athletics or marching band who has not previously completed a sports physical and been cleared will be required to receive a sports physical prior to any UIL activities.
- Students should bring all necessary forms with them.
- All students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian if they are under the age of 18.
- Glasses or contacts must be brought in for sports physical.
- CareNow discounted physicals apply to students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
11:57 a.m. – The Travis County Sheriff's Office is reporting five new positive coronavirus cases among the inmate population. Two of those inmates bonded out of jail before their test results came back, but were in quarantine when they showed symptoms, TCSO said.
10:47 a.m. – Texas State University and Austin Community College have started classes Monday.
Students in Giddings, Blanco, Fayetteville, Smithville, Johnson City, Granger, Florence and Fredericksburg school districts are returning to class in person and online. Students in Lockhart, Elgin and KIPP school district are remotely returning to class.
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