This post has local news on the coronavirus pandemic from Friday, Aug. 28. If you have a news tip or question, email us at news@KUT.org.
- 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
Travis County sees the fewest new cases in over a month
Austin Public Health reported 68 new cases of COVID-19 in Travis County on Friday, down from 122 reported the day before. The seven-day average of daily new cases is 107. Three more deaths were reported, bringing the county's total to 377.
There are 155 people reported hospitalized with the virus in the five-county region (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell), four fewer than yesterday. APH reported 16 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the region Friday. The seven-day average of new admissions is 18.
Local officials use that average and other metrics to make recommendations about safety guidelines. Austin-Travis County moved from stage 4 to stage 3 of APH’s risk-based guidelines this week. Officials are still encouraging people to avoid social gatherings and groups of more than 10 people.
Austin extends programs that provide food and shelter amid COVID-19
Austin City Council members have OK'd extensions for programs that have helped provide emergency food and shelter, as well as financial relief for Austinites in the last few months.
The Council will partner with Sysco Foods to feed homeless Austinites through its Eat Apart Together initiative, which started back in April, through the end of September.
Two hotels will also continue to serve as isolation facilities for people who may be symptomatic or may be recovering from COVID-19 after the Council approved a contract extension through September.
The city also extended partnerships with nonprofits in the Austin area that dole out money from Austin's RISE fund – a city-backed pot of $15 million for direct financial assistance and indirect relief for low-income residents. The city also OK'd new agreements to provide legal aid and coronavirus testing for frontline workers.
— Andrew Weber
COVID-19 Dashboards
What's happening statewide? Check out special coverage from KERA for North Texas, Houston Public Media, Texas Public Radioin San Antonio and Marfa Public Radio.
If you find this reporting valuable, please consider making a donation to support it. Your gift pays for everything you find on KUT.org. Thanks for donating today.
