COVID-19 update
124 deaths have now occurred in Travis County due to coronavirus. A total of 9,527 cases have been confirmed since March, including 369 currently in the hospital. However, Austin Public Health also says 6,560 people have now recovered. If you’re hoping the mask mandates will end sometime soon, you may be discouraged. The latest recommendation from Travis County Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott.
“For the next 9 to 12 months, until we have an effective vaccine that is widely available to the public. I know that folks are tired of masks, but we simply must do it,” Escott says.
He estimates that cases that involve someone with no symptoms are between 40-50%.
Williamson counties available hospital space has dropped by 9% since yesterday, now at 27% overall. 103 people are now hospitalized in the county, which is a huge reversal compared to just a couple of weeks ago. 1,247 cases are active, 904 have recovered.
On that note, Williamson County still has no intention to force you to wear a mask. County Judge Bill Gravell says it’s simply not within the county’s powers to do so, adding that’s by the governor’s order.
“The county doesn’t have the authority to be punitive toward residents who aren’t complying with the local mask orders.” Gravell says cities do, “we have allowed our cities to take the steps they think are that’s really appropriate. I think it’s important for local authorities to have that local power.”
While some Williamson County cities start enforcing mask policies, Gravell says he continues to encourage folks to wear a mask and socially distance.
There’s now been a seventh COVID-19 death in Hays County. While neighboring counties are struggling to keep hospital beds free, Hays County still only has 16 coronavirus patients in the hospital at the moment. Only 62 have been hospitalized since March. 472 people have recovered and 2,040 cases remain active as of this morning.
HEB requires masks in all locations
No matter where you go in Texas, HEB will require you to wear a mask in its stores. The company says its mandate will apply even in counties where masks are not required. HEB also announced this week it was placing new limits on many food and cleaning products.
Austin tourism sector continues to struggle
2020 was projected to be a really strong year for tourism in Austin, but obviously that’s not the case. Jenell Moffett, with the Downtown Austin Alliance, tells KVUE there was also some hope that we would see a bit of a resurgence heading into the summer months. Although, with new COVID-19 spikes, all that’s changed as well.
“I think the numbers are going to probably stay the same. There’s not gonna be a lot of spikes in terms of June,” says Moffett.
In March, hotel occupancy tanked down to just above 4% downtown. By May, the numbers had climbed to about 13%.
Thieves drive into The Broken Spoke’s ATM
Thieves seize on the recent shutdown of bars by hitting a long time South Austin dancehall. The Broken Spoke says somebody smashed a truck to the front of the venue to steal the ATM, ramming it repeatedly to break the bolts loose from the bottom. Facebook posts say the truck caused extensive damage. Police are investigating.
Boat rental companies continue to run business as planned
This July 4th weekend will likely feel very different for many people, but there are some boat rental companies preparing for a rush of customers. David Callejas with Float On Boat Rentals tells CBS Austin he’s just about fully booked, although he understands if customers have second thoughts.
“If things take a turn for the worst, or you all of a sudden don’t feel comfortable coming out with the group that maybe you thought was going to be able to come out. You know, we understand, and we’ll refund you,” says Callejas.
While some activities on the water may be going on his plan, all Travis County parks will close through July 7th. Beginning tomorrow night.
Protestors demand bars to open again
Bar and nightclub owners rallied outside of the capital, calling on the governor to let them keep working. Among the protesters was Shelley Luther, the Dallas salon owner who was jailed in May for refusing to close her business.
“What is the difference between you guys and a restaurant? 1%! 1%! “
Governor’s order prevents any business from operating if 51% of revenue comes from alcohol. Around four dozen venues are suing the state over the order, claiming it’s a violation of constitutional rights.
Protests demanding safety from COVID-19 for jail inmates continue
Activists continue using coronavirus as a reason to demand the release of jail inmates in a county. A line of cars made multiple passes this week around the courthouse, honking horns and shouting, “free them all.” The protesters want anyone who’s awaiting trial while in the jail to be let out to protect their health.
STAAR testing will continue next year
Coronavirus will not be an excuse for students not taking the STAAR test next year. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath says there will be some modifications, including a longer period of time it can be taken. However, he says the state has no data to gauge performance from last year, which is why he says it’s vital that the test be administered next year.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-7-1-20
