Photo by Roschetzky Photography
Another person died in Travis County due to complications with coronavirus marking the 26th death now reported by Austin Public Health. 66 new cases have also been confirmed, bringing that total to 1,174. There are currently 85 hospitalizations in Travis County, which officials say will be a key indicator of the direction the outbreak is headed.
Testing capabilities for Austin and Travis County are steadily increasing. Mayor Steve Adler says the city is using a new Texas based test provider that will offer a one day turnaround, complete with lab results. There should be 20,000 tests from that company over the next month. That will be in addition to the growing number of tests available in hospitals and medical clinics. This week the city is also rolling out the new online test portal to help people determine their eligibility.
New orders for nursing homes and senior care facilities have been issued by Austin Public Health. All patients, staff and immediate family must be notified if a case of COVID-19 is found. Dr. Liam Fry says people that tested positive have been moved off to offsite isolation facilities.
“We’re going to be preserving people’s right to choice as much as possible but balancing that with our public health mandate to protect them as well,” says Fry.
If a cluster of cases is found, the facility has to restrict new patients until given clearance by Austin Public Health.
Williamson County officials now report a fifth coronavirus death. That’s the first in the county in almost two weeks. One new case has also been confirmed. The total now stands at 156 as Travis County increases its focus on nursing homes. County Judge Bill Gravell says no positive cases have been found in any Williamson County senior care facilities so far.
There are 76 active cases and one death currently in Hays County. In total, Hays County has confirmed 135 cases since the outbreak began. 48 cases have been found in Bastrop County. Seven of those have recovered and two have died.
It was late 2018 when Threadgill’s announced it would have to close its Riverside location due to high operating costs and rising taxes. Now the full end has come for the long-time Austin staple. The Austin Chronicle reports that North Lamar location is being sold. Owner Eddie Wilson says he will not be able to rebound from the COVID-19 economic impact.
Kendra Scott, owner of the Austin based jewelry company that bears her name, is part of Governor Greg Abbott’s Strike team to reopen the Texas economy. She tells CBS Austin she’s very optimistic about that team that’s been put together.
“It’s a really diverse group, first of all. We have the most unbelievable both medical experts and business experts in the state of Texas working together,” says Scott.
She’s one of 39 business leaders who will offer guidance to Governor Abbott. Abbott’s plan to let retail stores offer curbside pickup as early as this Friday is a pretty good start.
While the virus is a big concern for many in Round Rock, a new city survey finds most people are concerned about the devastation being caused to the local economy. 72% say the economic impact is their primary concern. Around 300 of the 1,200 respondents say their workplace has been closed for an extended period of time.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-4-21-20
