AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This live blog is no longer updating. For the latest coronavirus updates in Central Texas, check out KVUE's Nov. 13 live 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. 12 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 985,300 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 19,000 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 33,960 cases have been reported and at least 465 people have died. At least 31,910 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 6,585 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 91 people have died. At least 6,012 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 10,772 cases have been reported in the county and at least 158 people have died. At least 10,251 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Nov. 12
Updates:
6:20 p.m. – Hospital admissions in the Austin area are up to a seven-day average of 27.7 per day.
As of Thursday in the 12-county Central Texas KVUE viewing area, there has been a total of 865 deaths from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
6:10 p.m. – Travis County reported another three deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 191 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 33,960 cases and 465 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 31,910 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 163 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 57 in the ICU and 28 on ventilators.
6:05 p.m. – Manor ISD reported a second staff member at Decker Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. All students and staff who were in close contact with the individual have been asked to quarantine through Nov. 23.
5:55 p.m. – The Georgetown Public Library will be closed to the public starting on Friday, Nov. 13, and shift to curbside-only services following Williamson County's move into the orange phase of its pandemic response, indicating high spread of the virus in the community.
Hours for curbside pickup service at are 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Saturday. The Georgetown Public Library is at 402 W. Eighth St.
Library materials can be requested for curbside pickup via the library website at catalog.georgetown.org.
5:45 p.m. – Hays County reported 99 new confirmed cases on Thursday, four new hospitalizations and two hospital discharges. The county also reported 29 additional people now considered recovered.
5 p.m. – There were 5,756 new confirmed COVID-19 cases across Texas on Thursday, bringing the total to 993,841. The seven-day average is at 7,262 new cases per day statewide, up 12% from a week ago and up 114% from a month ago.
There are 6,925 COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide as of Thursday, up 16% from a week ago and up 79% from a month ago. The state had 143 newly reported COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, for a statewide total of 19,147. The positivity rate average is at 12.35% in Texas and has been at or above 10% for three weeks.
The positivity rate average in the Austin metro area is now over 4%, at 4.33%. Cases in the metro area are at a 251 per day weekly average, up 46% from a week ago.
2 p.m. – After Williamson County's move into the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) orange phase, indicating high community spread of COVID-19, Judge Bill Gravell issued the following statement:
“The Williamson County and Cities Health District makes recommendations based on the COVID-19 transmission rate to help residents understand the risks. The guidelines are suggested for planning, but are not requirements. Local guidance may be superseded by an Executive Order from Governor Abbott. Each governing body is responsible for making decisions for their entity. As the County Judge, I have no plans to enact another stay home order. Williamson County trusts our residents to be smart and prudent. We know that they will take the appropriate measures to stay safe."
You can learn more about all four phases below. Previously, Williamson County was in the yellow phase, indicating moderate community spread.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: