COVID-19 update
Governor Greg Abbott calls the recent spike in positive COVID-19 tests across the state an aberration due to flare ups in prisons and nursing homes in Texas. Despite all that, he is still calling for people to be mindful, socially distance, and wear masks, although he’s not mandating that.
“There has been an increase, especially beginning around the Memorial Day time period, an increase in people testing positive because they may not be practicing all these safe standards,” says Abbot.
The state’s hospital bed capacity is strong with nearly 15,000 available. Another benchmark is expected to be hit today in Williamson County. As of this morning, 598 people have made recoveries from COVID-19 and by the end of the day it’s very likely that number will surpass 600. 393 cases are still active, and 30 people have died. As hospitalization remains a growing concern across the state, Williamson County only has 12 patients hospitalized.
Today, more than 3,700 coronavirus patients in Travis County can now consider themselves recovered. The exact number as of today is 3,729. Currently, there are 158 in the hospital and 106 have died. Since March, when the pandemic began, 4,771 total cases have been confirmed by Austin Public Health.
Austin leaders debate mask order enforcement
The mayor of Austin joined other Texas mayors in asking the governor to let them enforce mask orders. Austin’s Mayor Steve Adler doesn’t want to fine or jail anyone. He says when the facemasks were mandatory, Austin didn’t do either. The governor is sending mixed messages by not giving the order teeth.
“They’re not really sure. Is it really important? I mean, if it was really important, wouldn’t they make it mandatory? So if it’s not mandatory, and just recommended then I get to decide myself? And really, who wants to wear a face covering?” Adler says.
When the masks were mandatory and enforceable by law, more people listened and covered up.
While calling it a last resort, Travis County will now charge you with criminal trespass if you don’t wear a mask in county buildings and refuse to leave. That means once again local leaders have found a way to jail you over this. County Commissioner Brigid Shea would like to take it a step further, saying masks should actually be treated like any other public safety mandate.
“We have a law in this country that requires people to use their seatbelts in their cars, and if they don’t they face a very substantial ticket and fine,” says Shea.
Along with the six months you’ll spend behind bars, that charge also carries with it a $2,000 fine.
Council members pledge not to accept police union funds
Austin Mayor Steve Adler and 9 of the 10 City Council members have signed a pledge to not accept any money from police unions. Natasha Harper-Madison has not signed the pledge yet, but she says she will. Former County Judge Sarah Eckhardt has also signed it as she runs for a state Senate seat. Meanwhile, police union President Ken Casaday tells the Statesman the whole thing seems very disingenuous to him.
Former sheriff suggests shifting authority of APD away from city leaders
Former Travis County Sheriff Terry Keel is proposing an idea he says he hopes will bolster police officers. Keel tells FOX 7 he’d like Governor Abbott to strip Austin of its authority over the police department and shift all of that to a standalone division with the state.
“Does it make more sense to continue having the Austin Police Department chief answer to the city manager? Or would it make more sense to have the chief of the Austin Police Department answer to the director of the Department of Public Safety?
Keele says the council is out of control and has fostered policies that actually run counter to public safety.
Wilco commissioner condemns county sheriff after the in-custody death of Javier Ambler
Williamson County Commissioner Valerie Covey is firing back at Sheriff Robert Cody over the in-custody death of Javier Ambler last year that ended in Travis County. Covey thinks Chody has tried to sweep the issue under the rug and says he put reality TV above public safety.
“This was a death in-custody. Why wouldn’t you want all of the Live PD’s film? Wouldn’t you want the evidence to help prove your deputies innocence?” says Covey.
Chody continues to say much of the blame lies with Travis County’s district attorney. He says she sat on the case for more than a year until it became politically advantageous to go public.
Yearly water restrictions begin
With everything going on these days, it’s easy to forget about some of the yearly issues we face all the time in central Texas. That includes a lack of rainfall. Down in Kyle, that’s led to the implementation of stage one water restrictions. That means odd numbered homes can water the yard on Wednesday and Saturday, even numbered on Thursday and Sunday. Violations could cost $2000.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-6-17-20
