Local authority over gatherings in Texas expands
Governor Greg Abbott expands local authority over outdoor gatherings as Texas hits a single day high with more than 5,000 positive COVID-19 tests. On Tuesday, Governor Abbott expanded the ability of mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of over 100 people. That’s pared down from 500 back on June 3.
“Maintaining a level of flexibility is important in a state the size of Texas, with 254 counties. But, with an emphasis wherever possible, to make sure that the right strategies are in place to make sure that we are slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott says.
Abbott also directed the Health and Human Services Commission to enact emergency procedures over childcare centers.
COVID-19 update
Since March, Austin Public Health has confirmed 6,596 cases of coronavirus in Travis County. In total, 114 have died from the virus and 236 are currently hospitalized. That’s far higher than what has been the average in recent weeks. The vast majority of those new cases are between the ages of 20-39. On the upside, however, 4,512 people have made recoveries.
24 coronavirus patients are in Williamson County hospitals, as of this morning. 1,498 total cases have been confirmed, of which 732 are still active. 32 people have died, but 722 people have recovered. Round Rock accounts for the most cases within the county.
Medical experts think it’s time to scale back reopening
As the coronavirus caseload continues its upward climb across Texas, some doctors think it may be time to scale back the economy’s reopening. Dr. James McDeavitt with Baylor College of Medicine tells CBS Austin we may only be a couple of weeks away from surpassing Austin’s hospital surge capacity.
“Like to put two beds in a single room or start to change snapping ratios. So the nurse to patient ratio is less than we would like it to to be. That’s in an emergency situation,” says McDeavitt.
Austin’s rolling seven day average of new daily hospitalizations is now at 39. If it reaches 70 the city will enter stage five on the risk chart.
Conservative think tank pushes back against face mask order
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is calling into question the new face mask order in Austin. Kevin Roberts, with the Policy Foundation, says they want the data that justifies the order.
“We simply don’t see the data warranting this action, and we will continue to apply pressure to the mayor, to the county office, to show the people of this city, in this county, that in fact, the specific data warrants this kind of action,” Robert says.
The face mask order is just leading to more overreach by the city.
COVID-19 testing centers found using out of date technology
Coronavirus testing in Travis County is being hampered by outdated tech. According to Austin Public Health results are still coming in via fax machine. County Commissioner Brigid Shea says it’s ludicrous.
“That’s like a third world technology; most young people don’t even know what a fax machine is,” Shea says.
Health authority, Dr Mark Escott says even though the state requires digital reporting, some labs still have not made that upgrade. He says the slow results mean local data is not as accurate as it should be.
UT changes ACT and SAT testing requirements
High schoolers applying to the University of Texas won’t be needing to provide an ACT or SAT test score. The university says this will ensure students have ample opportunity to complete an application amid any impact caused by COVID-19. Those test scores will not be used for admission into UT until the fall of 2022.
Upcoming Austin Tesla plant could bring more opportunity
Some Travis County residents are pretty excited about a possible Tesla plant coming to East Austin. The county court is considering an 80% tax rebate for the company to start building cyber trucks in Travis County. Area nurse and mother of five, Gayle Lafur, says a factory here could do a lot of good for the younger generation.
“But my kids really have told me they feel they have a much brighter opportunity for their future. If Tesla were to build a factory here, I just feel we should be very welcoming.”
However, others claimed Tesla’s business record of union breaking and disregarding COVID shutdowns should be enough to cut off negotiations and let Tesla pay up on its own.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-6-24-20
