AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated. For Saturday's updates, click 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. 20 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 1 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 20,100 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 35,984 cases have been reported and at least 476 people have died. At least 33,133 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 6,960 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 96 people have died. At least 6,193 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 11,559 cases have been reported in the county and at least 160 people have died. At least 10,716 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Nov. 20
Updates:
6 p.m. – Travis County reported three more deaths from COVID-19 on Friday along with 368 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 35,984 cases and 476 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 33,133 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 212 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 77 in ICU and 43 on ventilators.
3:45 p.m. – Hays County reported another death from COVID-19 on Friday, a Kyle man in his 90s. The health department also reported 71 new confirmed cases, four new hospitalizations, three hospital discharges and 47 additional people now considered recovered.
3:35 p.m. – On Friday, Workforce Solutions Childcare Services distributed 200,000 masks to childcare providers serving 3,000 pre-kindergarten children in the Austin area. According to a release from Bank of America, the donation is part of a nationwide effort to distribute nearly 15 million PPE masks to communities disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, including communities of color.
3:30 p.m. – Austin ISD said it is considering the option of temporarily transitioning to remote-only instruction for the week following Thanksgiving break, Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, after Travis County entered Stage 4 of its coronavirus risk-based guidelines.
In a letter to the AISD community on Friday, Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said the district wants to work with its community to be prepared.
“We have learned many lessons in the past eight months living with COVID-19, including how quickly we may need to pivot as health guidelines are updated,” Elizalde said.
The district said it is monitoring the situation and routinely consulting with Austin Public Health and Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott.
A decision on instruction for the week following Thanksgiving break will be made no later than Wednesday, Nov. 25, according to Elizalde.
3:15 p.m. – A member of the Lake Travis football coaching staff tested positive for COVID-19, so the Cavaliers will suspend football operations for the next five to seven days, according to district officials.
The suspended activities includes the Cavaliers' game against Akins High School, but there is not a final decision on the rivalry game against Westlake on Nov. 27.
"Due to privacy requirements, we will not be releasing the name of the individual or details that may identify him or her," the district said in a press release.
The game between Hutto and Cedar Ridge was also canceled due to COVID-19 contact tracing.
9 a.m. – The City of Austin announced it's launching a 24/7 COVID-19 health and wellness support line for residents. Residents can call 1-888-855-7483 for confidential help starting on Friday.
10: 30 a.m. – COVID-19 testing startup Curative Inc. announced a special holiday testing of a new drive-thru site at COTA Circuit of Americas Peppermint Parkway with up to 500 tests per day available at the site to residents. The site will be available during two key time frames this holiday season, providing a COVID-19 testing site for the Austin area with no cost to patients. Testing is available by appointment or walk-up starting on Nov. 27 from 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. For more information and to make an appointment go to, curative.com.
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