Travis County sees steady progress after reopening
AUSTIN, Texas – Coronavirus hospitalizations in Travis County continue to hover in the high 80s and low 90s even with the private sector beginning to reopen. As of this morning, there are 90 people in the hospital. There have been 85 deaths from the virus, but 1,020 of the 2,933 confirmed cases are now recoveries.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler tweeted out videos that show people gathered too closely together at local bars. Adler says he is worried that too many people are leaving their homes
“People are getting more and more relaxed,” says Adler, “and unfortunately thinking that the the virus isn’t here anymore.”
Bars have to operate at 25% capacity, but that does not apply to rooftops and patios. Adler is worried the carelessness of a couple of businesses could mess things up for everyone else.
Bowling alleys have been cleared to reopen, and some of them did just that over the long weekend in Central Texas. David Kellermen with Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown talked to CBS Austin. He says they have hand sanitizer at the door and shoes and bowling balls are being sanitized. The arcade area is still off limits.
“Thinks we have in mind [are] giving all of our guests gloves to use while they are in the arcade; but that’s another day,” says Kellerman.
Bowling alleys can currently operate only 25% capacity. For Mel’s Lone Star Lanes that’s about 180 people.
COVID-19 update for Williamson and Hays counties
The number of recovered coronavirus patients in Williamson County now outpaces the number of active cases by more than 100. There are 218 active cases, but 325 recoveries. The county says it has 58% of its hospital beds still available. Since the outbreak began, 22 have died in Williamson County from the virus.
The numbers have remained unchanged for the past couple of days in Hays County. 270 COVID-19 cases have been found there since March. There have been no new cases reported since Saturday. 158 have recovered, six are currently in the hospital, and three have died.
City hotel purchases set to handle homelessness in Austin
Austin city leaders say they have enough rented and purchased hotel space to handle the current situation for the homeless. Real estate officer Alex Gale says the city is currently leasing four area motels and agreed to buy two more as of last week. According to the health department, the city should be set on the COVID-19 front.
“Right now, it sounds like we have the number of rooms that are what they are wanting to handle at this point,” says Gale.
The hotels the city is buying are also part of the city’s long term plan for housing the homeless. There could be two more multimillion dollar deals made on that front.
COVID-19 effects on jail visitations
Governor Greg Abbott issued another executive order limiting visitation to county and municipal jails. This is in addition to an earlier executive order restricting visitation to state prisons, jails and juvenile justice facilities.
“Our goal is to find ways to co-exist with COVID-19 as safely as possible,” says Abbot.
This would be one of the ways that jails have shown to be highly susceptible to COVID-19 surges. He’s also encouraging the use of virtual visitation strategies. One exception to the order would be religious leaders or members of the clergy.
UT holds it’s first online commencement
The University of Texas held its first online commencement ceremony. 49 graduated this year, as part of the inaugural Dell Medical school.
“With all of the changes our society has had to make, something else has happened as well. A light has been shined on the medical profession like never before,” says UT President Gregory Fenves.
In total, nearly 10,000 students graduated as part of the 2020 spring class.
Manor school district prepares for a new year
The Manor school district is adjusting to the current changes and preparing for upcoming semesters. The school board is in the process of hiring a new superintendent. Dr. Andre Spencer, from the New York Department of Education, is the final candidate. By law, the board has to wait 21 days before making an official offer of employment.
Economic relief available for Bee Cave businesses
If you’re a small business in the Bee Cave area you’ve got less than a week left to apply for economic relief. $1.5 million has been allocated. Grants or loans of up to $10,000 are available through June 1st to be used to help with rent, payroll, operational costs and protective equipment.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-5-26-20
