AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated.
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 19 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 99,850 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 2,100 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. More than 63,800 recoveries have also been reported.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 5,200 cases have been reported and at least 108 people have died. At least 3,985 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: Over 1,445 cases have been reported and at least five people have died. At least 5 people have recovered from the virus. More than 335 recoveries have been reported.
- Williamson County: More than 1,110 cases have been reported in the county and at least 32 people have died. More than 625 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data June 19
Today's headlines:
- Why requiring face masks may be as important as social distancing and staying home
- State prisons remain a hot spot for COVID-19 in Texas
- Report: 13 Texas Longhorns football players test positive for COVID-19, 10 more in self-isolation
- Businesses in Austin aren't required to close, inform customers if employee tests positive for COVID-19, City says
- Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: Hays County reports 210 new cases, breaks record
- Decline in new US coronavirus deaths may be temporary reprieve
- 'It's in the community's hands' | Austin nurse shares experience helping COVID-19 patients
Latest updates:
6:35 p.m. - Travis County on Friday reported 295 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 5,286, with 108 deaths from the virus. At least 3,985 people have recovered.
The county said 173 people are hospitalized, with 64 in the ICU and 27 on ventilators.
5:45 p.m. - Burnet County Judge James Oakley announced the county's second death from COVID-19 on Friday. Oakley said the individual was in their 80s and had been previously been in a long-term care facility in Burnet.
5:30 p.m. - CommUnityCare Health Centers announced it is shifting the operating hours at all its COVID-19 testing sites to 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to account for rising temperatures and growing testing demand, as well as to accommodate those who can only get tested outside of standard business hours.
5 p.m. - Following new orders in Austin, Travis County and Hays County, H-E-B will require all customers to wear face masks starting on Monday, June 22. The grocery chain said the rule will apply to all H-E-B and Central Market stores in the area.
"H-E-B continues to require the use of masks or facial coverings by all of our partners and vendors," the supermarket said in a statement. "Beginning on
Monday, through the first several days of the transition, we will have a limited supply of free masks available for customers that may arrive unaware of the new mask mandates. The CDC and state health officials strongly support the use of facial coverings in public as a proven way to slow the spread of COVID-19."
4:40 p.m. - The Giddings State School juvenile correctional facility has announced its second positive COVID-19 cases this week. Texas Juvenile Justice Department executive director Camille Cain said a youth development coach received positive results on Friday morning.
Cain said the case appears to be unrelated to another youth development coach who tested positive on Tuesday. Both employees are self-isolating at home.
4:26 p.m. - Hays County announced 103 new cases and 51 more recoveries, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,157.
3:17 p.m. - The city of San Marcos is closing its river parks once again after a recent spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.
9:20 a.m. - The City of Austin has launched an online “How to Help” campaign to bring together the coronavirus-related needs of local nonprofit, faith-based and government programs. The City is inviting community members to contribute to the response.
To participate, community members can go here to review the volunteer and donation listings from local organizations like SAFE, Front Steps, the Pease Park Conservancy, and more. Once they find the listing that speaks to their values and abilities, they are able to sign up or complete a transaction within the site.
9:15 a.m. - The Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas (FLCCT), the U.S. Hispanic Contractor’s Association (USHCA) and the Austin Latino Coalition (ALC) are collaborating to host a free COVID-19 testing site to support frontline construction industry workers on Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 5909 Reicher Drive, Austin, Texas 78723.
6:20 a.m. - Due the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders in Round Rock are changing the way the city celebrates this year's Fourth of July holiday.
City leaders say there will be no annual Frontier Days or fireworks show at Old Settlers Park this year, but they're bringing the annual parades straight to Round Rock communities. You'll be able to enjoy the decorated vehicles, patriotic inflatables, and more straight from the comfort of your front yard.
There will be three separate routes -- a red, white and blue route. All routes will begin at 8:30 a.m. on July 4th.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: