Austin-Travis County Moves Back To Stage 3 COVID-19 Guidelines

Austin TX

15 July, 2021

11:54 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Austin-Travis County leaders have escalated the COVID-19 risk-based guidelines to Stage 3 as coronavirus cases in the area begin to rise. City and county leaders announced the return to Stage 3 guidelines in a virtual news conference on Tuesday. The decision comes after four confirmed cases of the delta variant in the county and a "dramatic increase" in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. Under Stage 3, those who are high risk should avoid being indoors in poorly ventilated areas and avoid travel and crowds. If people have to be in these situations, they should wear a mask, health officials said. Fully vaccinated people are allowed to follow Stage 1 guidelines, which states people can participate in indoor or outdoor private gatherings and dine or shop without precautions; however, they should travel with precautions. Austin Public Health is moving into Stage 3 of the #COVID19 Risk Based Guidelines. Learn more about moving to Stage 3: https://t.co/Y7YjbOFkKG Get vaccinated: https://t.co/uNEZHhMj3c (1/6) pic.twitter.com/ftPrruPLTH— Austin Public Health (@AusPublicHealth) July 15, 2021 According to Dr. Desmar Walkes, the Austin-Travis County Health Authority, the seven-day average for new cases has tripled from 30 to almost 90 cases. He said the seven-day moving average for hospital admissions went from 7 to 20-21. According to Austin and Travis County's COVID-19 dashboard, the area's seven-day moving average of new cases is 81 as of July 14. About 30 percent of eligible people in Travis County have not received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the data shows. Walk-Up for your #COVID19 Vaccine. No Appointment Needed! Southeast Branch Library (Moderna) 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd Tuesday-Friday: 2-8PM Little Walnut Creek Branch Library (Moderna) 835 W Rundberg Ln Tuesday-Friday: 2-6PM Saturday: 10AM-2PM (1/4)— Austin Public Health (@AusPublicHealth) July 12, 2021 The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 61.55 percent of the county's population is fully vaccinated. About 771,957 people in the county have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Health officials are encouraging the community to take advantage of the 14 free COVID-19 vaccine clinics available in the area. These clinics do not ask for insurance or a COVID-19 vaccine card. The county was previously under Stage 2 risk-based guidelines for about two months. This stage urged businesses to operate at 75 percent capacity, and those at higher risk to avoid gatherings of more than 10. Those who are less at risk for severe illness were asked to avoid gatherings larger than 25 people. "I hate that we are here together again at a press conference talking about the virus. I hoped I would not be in front of you again talking about a rise in COVID cases," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said Thursday. "We cannot pretend that we are done with a virus that is not done with us." RELATED COVERAGE: Phase 3 Of Austin's Camping Ban Is Now In Effect 28 Died In Travis County During Winter Storm: Texas DSHS 3 COVID-19 Delta Variant Cases Confirmed In WilCo