AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 Nov. 23 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 1 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 20,500 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 36,754 cases have been reported and at least 476 people have died. At least 33,661 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 7,042 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 99 people have died. At least 6,208 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 11,935 cases have been reported in the county and at least 162 people have died. At least 11,208 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Nov. 23
Updates:
5:45 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports three new COVID-related fatalities, a Buda man in his 70s and two women from Kyle who were also in their 70s. The Health Department also reports 82 new lab-confirmed cases since Friday, five new hospitalizations, five hospital discharges and 15 additional people now considered recovered.
Meanwhile, Williamson County officials reported 2 more deaths. There have now been a total of 162 fatalities, 11,935 cases and 11,208 recoveries in Williamson County.
Travis County reported 318 new cases. There has now been a total of 36,754 cases, 33,661 recoveries and 476 deaths in Travis County.
5 p.m. – The City of Austin is launching a new health and wellness support line. Counselors from Alliance Work Partners will offer short-term counseling for those dealing with feelings of anxiety, isolation and depression.
"We're providing unlimited call-in and referral to resources ... elder care or child care, a 12-step group in their neighborhood. We're also setting people up for counseling for relationship issues, economic and relationship issues ... Anything that literally impacts a person's life," said Rick Dielman with Alliance Work Partners.
Counselors are available day or night, seven days a week and the calls are free for those living in any Austin City Council district. The number is 1-888-855-7493.
4 p.m. – Texas is reporting 6,576 new cases today for a total of 1,100,979, and 32 newly reported deaths for a total of 20,588. There are 8,353 Texans currently in the hospital for COVID-19, the most statewide since Aug. 5 and up 12% from a week ago and 65% from a month ago.
11:50 a.m. – Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services announced guiding principles for the state's coronavirus vaccine allocation process, which are meant to serve as a foundation for Texas' initial distribution of the vaccines as early as next month.
11:30 a.m. – The Travis County Sheriff's Office announces two new cases among its inmate population and three new cases among employees.
Since the start of the pandemic, 53 inmates and 90 employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
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