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 June 9 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 77,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 1,800 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The department estimates more than 51,140 people have recovered from the virus.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 4,100 cases have been reported and at least 99 people have died. At least 3,248 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: Over 490 cases have been reported and at least five people have died. About 250 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 700 cases have been reported in the county and at least 29 people have died. More than 500 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data June 10
Top headlines:
- Dr. Fauci says coronavirus turned 'out to be my worst nightmare'
- San Antonio Zoo experiencing quarantine baby boom
- Austin area sees sharp increases in new COVID-19 cases as statewide hospitalizations set new record
- AMC Theaters plans to reopen globally in July
- Texas school districts won't get supplemental CARES Act funds they were expecting; TEA puts money toward state funds
Updates:
9 p.m. – Two Texas football players have tested positive for COVID-19 this week, out of the 58 players tested. Both student-athletes are now self-isolating.
6:35 p.m. – Travis County is reporting 133 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the total to 4,109. The death toll remains at 99, while at least 3,248 people have recovered from the virus.
5:35 p.m. – Hays County on Wednesday reported 27 new cases of COVID-19, seven more recoveries and five new hospitalizations. The county said one additional person was released from the hospital.
Residents are strongly urged to wash their hands frequently, wear face coverings and practice social distancing while in public.
5:25 p.m. – Bastrop County has reported its fourth death from COVID-19, a 67-year-old man from Del Valle.
4:40 p.m. – The "Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program" has issued 2,891 grants totaling more than $28.5 million. Since the program began, the Williamson County Auditor's Office has reviewed approximately 100 applications per day, and the county is still receiving about 25 per day from local businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. The average grant being issued is $9,890.13.
The program is funded by CARES Act funds. The county was awarded more than $93 million in CARES Act funds, which are being utilized in phases.
3:40 p.m. – Texas reports 2,504 new cases of COVID-19 across the state. For the third straight day in a row, Texas reported a record number of hospitalizations at 2,153.
3:10 p.m. – Baseball Hall-of-Famer and former MLB pitcher Nolan Ryan released a new public service announcement on Wednesday entitled, "Don't Be a Knucklehead." The PSA asks all Texans to follow all health and safety protocols related to stopping the spread of COVID-19, including hand-washing, social distancing and wearing a mask.
1 p.m. – Hays County announces plans to reopen county offices. Click here for more information.
12:12 p.m. – ARC has partnered with Mediktor to launch an AI-powered COVID-19 online assessment tool. Anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms can visit ARCcovidcheck.com to help them decide their next steps.
The purpose of the tool is to provide clear guidance to patients on the likelihood their symptoms are indicative of coronavirus infection and then provide them with the best recommendation based on their symptoms.
The AI-based medical assistant for triage, prediagnosis and decision-making support takes a patient through three basic steps:
- The patient states their symptoms using a pre-defined checklist.
- The system follows up with questions based on the symptoms a patient checks off.
- The patient gets a list of possible conditions and a recommendation on what to do next.
Patients can access the self-assessment via our online COVID-19 information web bot on any page at AustinRegionalClinic.com or directly at ARCcovidcheck.com
11 a.m. – The YMCA of Austin is partnering with the Central Texas Food Bank to provide free, weekly meals to children under 18 during the summer months at North Austin and East Communities YMCAs, beginning Thursday, June 11, and running through Aug. 13.
Meals include seven breakfasts (whole grain item, fruit, milk per day) and seven lunches (frozen lunch trays and milk per day).
Weekly Schedule:
- East Communities YMCA (5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd.) - Distribution begins at 8 a.m.
- North Austin YMCA (1000 W. Rundberg Lane)– Distribution begins at 9 a.m.
Notes:
Parents can pick up meals for any kids 18 years or younger.
- If children are present, no documentation is required.
- If children are not present, parents must show one of the following:
- Official letter/e-mail from school listing children enrolled
- Individual student report cards
- Attendance Record from parent portal of the school website
- Birth certificate for a child not in school
- Student ID cards
10:50 a.m. – The Dripping Springs City Council has adopted a resolution to create a COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for businesses. The program includes the following tips for local businesses:
- Wastewater Fee Waivers: The City will waive one month of wastewater fees for commercial properties. Businesses must apply by June 26, 2020. Applications can be found on the City’s website.
- Inspection/Permits Discount: A one-time 25% discount will be given on permit or inspection renewals, including food establishment permits, child/adult care, church and school establishment Inspections, and alcohol beverage permits. This is for renewals for existing businesses only and must be requested at the time of renewal.
- Additional Temporary Signs and Fee Waivers: Temporary Sign Permit Fees are waived until Sept. 30, 2020. The City will also allow one additional temporary sign through Sept. 30, 2020, on all properties in Dripping Springs.
The resolution is in effect for a period of 60 days starting June 10.
Applications and more information can be found online or by calling 512-858-4725.
10:30 a.m. – Austin Public Health is scheduled to provide a weekly virtual media Q&A with its leadership team to give reporters the opportunity to ask questions related to COVID-19.
Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said there was a "concerning trend in new cases." He said on Monday, Austin/Travis County set a record for new cases at 118, and on Tuesday that record was set again at 161.
9:09 a.m. – St. David’s Foundation has released the first phase of COVID-19 Recovery Fund grant recipients – organizations grounded in providing immediate and intermediate support to our region’s most vulnerable populations.
Check back for the latest coronavirus updates.
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