AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 June 3 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 66,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 1,600 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The department estimates more than 44,000 people have recovered from the virus.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: More than 3,500 cases have been reported and at least 95 people have died. At least 1,380 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 600 cases have been reported and at least 25 people have died. About 399 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: There have been at least 385 cases reported in the county and at least five people have died. More than 210 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data June 3
Top headlines:
- Gov. Abbott announces Phase 3 of Texas reopening; capacity limit expanded to 50% for most businesses
- LIST: Confirmed Central Texas coronavirus cases by county
- New survey says about 1/3 of people have gone out to eat, drink in past two weeks
- Mayor Adler discusses how Austin is helping Latino community impacted by COVID-19
- Austin/Travis County remain in Stage 3 of COVID-19 risk-based guidelines, health leaders say
Updates:
6:20 p.m. – Travis County is reporting two more deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 95. On Wednesday, the county confirmed 68 new cases, bringing the total to 3,501. At least 1,380 people have recovered from the virus.
5:20 p.m. – Hays County on Wednesday reported 14 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, along with seven new recoveries. Two individuals were released from the hospital.
There have been 385 total confirmed cases in the county, with 168 current active cases and at least 212 recoveries. The county has received 4,167 negative test results. Six people are currently hospitalized.
5:10 p.m. – On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the third phase of reopening businesses in Texas amid the coronavirus pandemic. Under the governor’s plan, most Texas businesses will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, effective immediately. That includes businesses currently operating at 25% capacity, such as bars, gyms and indoor wedding venues.
Most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits, the governor said.
“The people of Texas continue to prove that we can safely and responsibly open our state for business while containing COVID-19 and keeping our state safe,” said Abbott. “As anticipated, the new positive cases that we are seeing are largely the result of isolated hot spots in nursing homes, jails and meatpacking plants. Thanks to the effectiveness of our Surge Response Teams, we have the ability to contain those hot spots while opening up Texas for business.”
RELATED: Gov. Abbott announces Phase 3 of Texas reopening; capacity limit expanded to 50% for most businesses
12:30 p.m. – Austin Public Health said it has responded to an increase in new cases over the past eight days, roughly 500. APH said there has been an increase in hospitalizations over the same eight-day period.
APH is expected to announce a plan on June 13 over how Austin can provide additional support to its communities.
12 p.m. – Dell Children's Medical Center has reported treating one case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and suspects cases in a few more children.
MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs, according to the CDC.
11:50 a.m. – Barton Springs Pool will be reopening on June 9 with a few COVID-19 precautions in place. Reservations and face coverings will be required, along with other safety measures. Click here for more information.
11 a.m. – The University of Texas has given some insight on what the fall semester will look like. According to Interim UT President Jay Hartzell, residence halls will be open to students. Additionally, recreational sports and university unions facilities will reopen later in the summer.
All students will have the option to do remote learning, but some classes will not be available in this format. Classes that are taught in person will only be filled to 40% capacity unless departments get approval from the UT administration.
10 a.m. – Austin Public Health will answer some COVID-19 questions at 10:30 a.m.
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- Wuhan tests 10 million people for coronavirus, finds few infections
- Active COVID-19 cases decrease in Williamson County for first time in weeks
- Report: Fauci says US should have 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses by year's end
- Polls start closing as voters navigate protests, coronavirus
- Texas unemployment benefits extended another 13 weeks
- Defenders Q&A: Is there a City order against evictions?
- Austin-Travis County coronavirus cases reach 3,433, 93 deaths
- Hays County reports 161 active COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths