This post has local news on the coronavirus pandemic from Wednesday, Oct. 7. 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
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Travis County sees 45 new cases and two more deaths
Austin Public Health reported 45 new cases of COVID-19 in Travis County on Wednesday, down from 95 reported Tuesday. The seven-day average of daily new cases is 69. Two more deaths were reported, bringing the county’s death total to 436.
There are now 79 people reported to be hospitalized with the virus in the five-county region (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell), six fewer than yesterday. Despite that net decrease, APH reported 12 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the region Wednesday. The seven-day average of new admissions is 13, down from 14.
The area is in stage 3 of APH’s risk-based guidelines. At this level, people are encouraged to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
Williamson County to provide federal coronavirus relief funds to schools
The Williamson County Commissioners Court has approved allocating schools and districts in the county $12 million in CARES Act funding to help pay for pandemic-related expenses.
Schools must apply by Nov. 6 and will receive funds based on student population sizes. Larger schools could receive $100 per student, and smaller schools could receive $200 per student, or $100,000 total. County Judge Bill Gravell says this is the first round of funding for schools and more could be granted.
"What it means is for all of our school districts, and our private schools as well as our charter schools, we'll be able to provide them financial resources that they have yet to receive from the federal and state government," he said.
Williamson County still holds approximately $17 million of CARES Act funding in reserve for future needs.
Here’s where you can get free masks and hand sanitizer this week
Austin Public Health, CommUnityCare and Central Health have been giving out free personal protective equipment to neighborhoods with high COVID-19 positivity rates. Face masks, educational materials and hand sanitizer will be available Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday this week.
Wednesday’s event is from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Dr., Austin. Thursday’s is from 9 to 11 a.m. at Manor City Hall, 105 E. Eggleston St., Manor. And Saturday’s is from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Del Valle Community Center, 3518 FM 973, Del Valle.
Emergency relief food distribution happening Thursday
The Central Texas Food Bank is distributing food to people financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next drive-thru event is on Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin.
Pre-packed food boxes are loaded directly into your vehicle. Organizers ask that you make room in your car’s trunk before arriving.
More food distributions happening this month:
- Saturday, Oct. 24 at Del Valle High School from 8 to 11 a.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 31 at Lehman High School in Kyle from 8 to 11 a.m.
COVID-19 Dashboard
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.
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