AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 4 live blog.
COVID-19 Numbers:
- Texas: There are more than 31,000 cases in the state, which increased by more than 2,300 over the weekend, and more than 860 people in Texas have died.
- Central Texas Counties:
- Travis County: More than 1,700 cases have been reported and at least 53 people have died.
- Williamson County: More than 320 cases have been reported and at least 10 people have died.
- Hays County: There have been more than 160 cases reported in the county and at least one death.
Top Headlines:
- 'We are not past this': Mayor Adler to extend Austin-Travis County stay-home order
- Am I supposed to wear a mask now in Austin-Travis County?
- City of Austin answers your questions, issues new guidance as Texas begins reopening
- Austin mayor Steve Adler says he's 'concerned' about second spike in COVID-19 cases
- Rural Texas counties reopen faster than others under state rules
- LIST: Confirmed Central Texas coronavirus cases by county
- Texas tops 1,000 new cases for third straight day
- LIST: Major retailers release plans to reopen stores
- LIST: These malls have reopened in the Austin area
Updates:
6:55 p.m. – At a virtual news conference Monday, Mayor Adler and Judge Sarah Eckhardt announced the "Stay Home, Work Safe" orders would remain in effect. Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority Mark Escott, MD, thanked Travis County residents for their efforts to contain COVID-19, saying residents are doing a good job at flattening the curve, but now is not the time to relax. Dr. Escott estimates it will take several weeks for the county to determine the impacts of Gov. Greg Abbott's order allowing some businesses to reopen. But Dr. Escott also shared some promising news, saying the number of people in Travis County who have contracted COVID-19 or are in the hospital as a result of the virus is steady and the hospitals have plenty of capacity. Click here for more information about Monday's press conference.
6:27 p.m. – As of May 4, Austin-Travis County is reporting 1,816 cases of COVID-19, with 53 deaths. There have been 60 new cases and one new death since May 3. A total of 542 have recovered, up from 516 the day before.
For an age breakdown of those cases, see the Austin-Travis County online dashboard.
Bastrop County reported 89 positive cases of COVID-19 and two deaths as of May 4. 29 have recovered.
The Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management reported the county's 22nd positive case of COVID-19 on May 4. As of May 4, 14 cases are active while eight have recovered.
6:23 p.m. – Grande Communications just announced it will extend its commitments through June 30 to ensure business and residential customers remain connected to the internet during the COVID-19 crisis.
On April 6, the company announced free internet and WiFi for 60 days to all qualifying low-income households through their Internet First Program. Additionally, Grande will not terminate service to any residential or business customer because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by COVID-19 and it will also waive any late fees.
5:38 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports nine new COVID-19 lab-confirmed positive cases overnight and today, along with 10 more now considered recovered. The total number of COVID-19 lab-confirmed cases in Hays County is 176, with 110 of those affected already recovered and out of quarantine, up from 100 on May 3. There are 65 active cases. Total hospitalizations to date remain at 16, with five persons currently hospitalized. Current negative tests are now at 1,699 with 17 pending.
5 p.m. – The Travis County Sheriff's Office provides updates to its COVID-19 test results:
- Inmates: 43 negative tests, 1 pending
- Law enforcement employees: 15 negative tests, 0 positive
- Corrections employees: 16 negative tests, 2 positive
- Administration and support: 8 negative tests, 1 positive, 3 pending
1:45 p.m. – Gov. Abbott's office announces that he will provide an update on the statewide response to COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 5.
1 p.m. – Williamson County reports five new cases and five new recoveries since yesterday. The county is now reporting 328 total confirmed cases, 191 recoveries and 10 deaths.
12:30 p.m. – 12 Leander Independent School District nurses have received training to help the Williamson County & Cities Health District with contact tracing for COVID-19.
12 p.m. – The City of Austin announced city leaders will hold a press conference at 3:15 p.m. Monday regarding current orders.
The Small Business Administration is now accepting COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance applications for agricultural small businesses on a limited basis. Click here for more details. Click here to apply.
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- COVID-19 vaccine hunt heats up globally, still no guarantee
- Worldwide coronavirus cases surpass 3.5 million
- Kyle woman creates mask tree filled with hand sewn masks for her neighbors
- Austin-Travis County coronavirus cases reach 1,756, 52 deaths
- Pop-up COVID-19 slideshow memorializes virus victims who have died