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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. 18 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 542,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 10,000 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 24,700 cases have been reported and at least 337 people have died. At least 23,451 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,100 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 41 people have died. At least 2,588 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 7,500 cases have been reported in the county and at least 105 people have died. More than 6,700 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Aug. 18
Updates:
6:35 p.m. – According to a joint statement from Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. David’s HealthCare, the 2,473 staffed beds currently within all three healthcare systems are 72% occupied, and the 483 ICU beds are 80% occupied.
5:50 p.m. – Travis County reported another two deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, as well as 349 new confirmed cases, which the county said was the cause of a backlog. Austin Public Health released the following statement in regards to the backlogged data:
"The increase in cases began last week when APH received backlogged laboratory data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
"APH received approximately 2,200 lab reports from DSHS on Aug. 13 and has since been processing and entering the reports. The majority of the results are duplicate records with case investigation already completed by APH. Additionally, many of the results are from more than a month ago, with some records dating back as far as April. While backlogged lab results are just being received by APH, most cases should have been notified by their providers of their results.
"The new cases are the result of a backlog of electronic lab reports sent from the DSHS. The National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) Electronic Laboratory Reporting (ELR) system at DSHS provides a method for hospital and clinical laboratories to electronically submit test results to fulfill their statutory obligation to report test results to the public health authority.
"APH will continue to process the backlogged lab results and will not know the true impact of the reporting error until processing is complete."
5:20 p.m. – Hays County reported 42 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, as well as 125 additional recoveries, bringing the total to 5,192 confirmed cases and 41 deaths. At least 2,588 people have recovered from the virus.
2:15 p.m. – One of the first school districts in the area, Thrall ISD, confirms its first case of COVID-19 at Thrall Middle School since reopening.
"Individuals who were in close contact with this person have been notified and will be required to follow district protocols to ensure the safety of others," said Thrall Superintendent Tommy Hooker.
12:25 p.m. – The Travis County District Clerk Civil Divisions office announces that it is re-open for limited in-person visits by appointment at the Heman Marion Sweatt Civil Courthouse at 1000 Guadalupe St., Suite 103, in Austin only.
Reservations can be made for family, non-family civil, civil records, finance/collections, exhibits and expunction documents for pick up only.
The passport office located at 5501 Airport Blvd., Ste. 220, is also open for appointments. The criminal division office will open at a later date. Further information can be found on the District Clerk’s website.
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