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Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: Mayor Adler went on vacation in Mexico amid pandemic, Defenders find

Here are the latest COVID-19 updates, closures and postponements in Central Texas for Wednesday, Dec. 2.

AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 Dec. 2 live blog.

COVID-19 numbers:

  • Texas: More than 1.2 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 21,700 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
  • Central Texas counties: 
    • Travis County: At least 39,037 cases have been reported and at least 486 people have died. At least 35,905 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Hays County: At least 7,526 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 104 people have died. At least 6,684 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Williamson County: At least 13,674 cases have been reported in the county and at least 165 people have died. At least 12,673 people have recovered from the virus.

Updates:

8 p.m. – Premier ER and Urgent Care says it now has the capability to test for influenza A/B and COVID-19 all with a single swab. 

"COVID-19 has been challenging in many ways. We see patients every day who are scared and concerned with not feeling well and what care they many need. Our team remains committed to partnering with community leaders and we participate with both local and national groups to stay informed, updated on this virus and learn as much as we can. Things continue to change quickly, and we are very excited to serve our community with the ability to offer one swab for multiple tests," said Kristina Holcomb, the vice president of communications and patient relations for Premier.

5:50 p.m. – Travis County health authorities report 280 new cases and two more deaths. There have now been 39,037 cases, 35,905 recoveries and 486 deaths reported.

The Giddings State School reports one new positive case from a teacher. The employee has not been on campus since Nov. 19 and this is the first positive case since Nov. 4.  A total of 46 staff members and 89 youth have now tested positive.

5:15 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports 97 new lab-confirmed cases, one new hospitalization, three new hospital discharges and 78 additional people now considered recovered. The total number of individuals considered recovered is 6,684. The total number of lab-confirmed cases is 7,526 with 738 of those considered active.

Williamson County added one more death today, bringing the total to 165. There have now been a total of 13,674 cases and 12,673 recoveries.

5 p.m. – Texas reports 14,758 new cases for a total of 1,200,674. The 7-day average is still down from a week ago due to a lull in reported cases over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but it is up over the past two days.

The state also reported 207 new deaths for a total of 21,756. The positivity rate is up from the past few days, now at 14.35% statewide. And COVID-19 hospitalizations are now at 9,109, the most since July 31 and up 6% from a week ago and 58% from a month ago.

1:42 p.m. – In November, Austin Mayor Steve Adler hosted his daughter's wedding and vacationed with a group of people in Mexico. Read the full KVUE Defenders investigation.

1:18 p.m. During its weekly Q&A, health officials said that large events will likely be the last type of activities that are approved.

11 a.m. – Austin Public Health wrapped up its COVID-19 Q&A. You can watch it in full in the video below.

WATCH: RAW: Texas coronavirus strike force advisor discusses case surge 

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