AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active. For the latest updates, check out our new live blog here.
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 May 15 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 46,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 1,300 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The department estimates more than 26,000 people have recovered from the virus.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: More than 2,400 cases have been reported and at least 77 people have died. More than 870 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 397 cases have been reported and at least 19 people have died. More than 220 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: There have been at least 221 cases reported in the county and at least three people have died. Around 140 people have recovered from the virus.
Top headlines:
- UT researcher says hospitals should prepare for surge in the coming weeks
- New information suggests coronavirus was in Austin before we thought
- Craig O's gives 20% of proceeds to Bowie HS quarterback injured in car accident
- Have you noticed more homeless camps in Austin? You're not the only one
- Georgetown starts testing first responders for COVID-19 antibodies
Updates:
6:47 p.m. – As of May 17, Austin-Travis County is reporting 2,459 cases of COVID-19, with 77 deaths. A total of 892 have recovered.
On May 5, Austin Public Health said more than half of Travis County's deaths have been from nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
These cases have risen steadily since March 13, when the first two cases were reported. Since then, multiple drive-thru testing sites have opened in the area.
For an age breakdown of those cases, see the Austin-Travis County online dashboard.
4:40 p.m. – There was a big drop in new daily coronavirus cases statewide, the fewest mark in nearly three weeks, dating back to April 27. New COVID-19 deaths on a statewide level were also down and there were no new deaths in the Austin area, according to the state's dashboard which updates daily. Hospitalizations were also down and the positivity rate was slightly up, but still remained below 5%.
GRAPH: Texas coronavirus data May 17
2:20 p.m. – Gov. Abbott to make announcement about reopening Texas on Monday
1:20 p.m. – CapMetro MetroBus and MetroRapid will operate their normal Sunday schedules every day of the week, starting Monday. Adjustments have also been made to services like MetroRail, MetroExpress and pickup. Click here to see all adjusted schedules.
1 p.m. – Williamson County officials confirm the county has had 481 total cases of COVID-19. Nineteen people have died from the virus in Williamson County and at least 261 have recovered. As of May 17, 16 people are hospitalized.
11:30 a.m. – The Austin Emergency Supply Foundation, in partnership with the City of Austin, will donate face masks to be distributed by the Consulate General of México and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Austin.
The donation will take place Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. Consulate General of México in Austin.
8 a.m. – The Central Texas Food Bank is holding a food distribution event at ACC Highland from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers ask that everyone stay in their cars so they can bring the emergency food kits to them. Here's how the process works.
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- Shelter in Shape: Saturday Squats
- LIST: Confirmed Central Texas coronavirus cases by county
- Austin mom working to figure out if she and her children had COVID-19 months ago
- Merch Aid initiative lets you support an Austin business and designer at the same time
- What we bought and didn't buy during the pandemic in April
- Austin couple travels to Detroit to help with COVID-19 surge
- Co-working spaces make changes ahead of offices reopening Monday