A record 220 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Travis County on Wednesday evening. The previous record was 161 new cases on June 9.
There have now been nearly 5,000 reported cases of COVID-19 in the county since March.
Two more coronavirus-related deaths were reported Wednesday, bringing the death total to 108.
There are currently 173 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the five-county region (Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop and Caldwell). There were 21 new coronavirus hospital admissions Wednesday, bringing the seven-day average of new admissions to 24.3, down 0.3 from the day before.
Local officials worry about COVID-19 cases overwhelming the local health care system, so they’re keeping an eye on that number and adjusting risk and precautions based on it.
The area is in stage 4 of Austin Public Health’s risk-based guidelines, meaning higher risk individuals (people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions) should avoid gatherings of more than two people and stay home unless absolutely necessary. People under 65 without underlying conditions should avoid gatherings of more than 10.
The highest risk level — stage 5 — would be triggered if the hospitalization average rises above 70. If the average falls below 20, the area will move down to stage 3.
More COVID-19-related news
13 UT football student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19
As of Thursday, 13 UT football student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 or are presumed positive, said Allen Hardin, executive senior associate athletics director for sports medicine & performance.
All 13 are now self-isolating, Hardin said. The unviersity says contact tracing has led to 10 additional players being placed in self-quarantine — all of whom are currently not showing symptoms. Four others have tested positive for the COVID-19 antibody.
Close to 94,000 Texans applied for unemployment last week
New numbers out this morning show 93,895 Texans applied for unemployment benefits last week. That's about 4,200 more new claims than the week before.
Since mid-March, when the coronavirus pandemic started hitting the Texas economy hard, close to 2.7 million Texans have applied for first-time unemployment benefits.
COVID-19 Dashboards
COVID-19 Resources
- Do you think you have the coronavirus? Here's how to get tested.
- How to get help (and help) in Austin
- Find mental health support
- Track the spread in Texas
- Sign up for coronavirus email alerts
What's happening statewide? Check out special coverage from KERA for North Texas, Houston Public Media, Texas Public Radio in San Antonio and Marfa Public Radio.
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