A new spike in cases of coronavirus may be coming
AUSTIN, Texas – Austin public leaders warned that a new spike in cases of COVID-19 may be coming. Travis County Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott laid out a timeline for when that might happen.
“Beginning mid-June and particularly towards the end of June we may see a significant increase in the number of cases and hospitalizations,” Escott says.
That number is based on the latest models from the University of Texas.
Travis County’s tally of coronavirus cases tops the 3,000 mark. Austin Public Health says 3,057 cases have been found since March. 91 people have passed away because of it. The county’s total number of recoveries also climbed into the four digits as this morning; that number stands at 1,084.
Austin Public Health says they are seeing more clusters of COVID-19 as the state continues reopening. APH Janet Pichette says the construction industry continues to be a major focus for them, but it’s not the only industry seeing flare ups of the virus.
“We are seeing clusters within food service areas and other industries as well.” Pichette says fear of what happens if a worker tests positive is still pushing people away from getting tested.
“If they are identified as positive, there may be concerns that they may be out of work for a period of time,” says Pichette
APH is working on a targeted testing campaign to focus on the construction industry to try to get more workers to get checked out.
Nursing homes hit hard by COVID-19 set to receive economic aid
Austin area strike teams have had some success in tamping down COVID-19 transmission in nursing homes, but they remain very vulnerable nevertheless. Family members still can’t visit their loved ones inside of a home. Kelli Weldon with Health Human Services says the state is now spending $3.6 million on tablets, headphones and webcams.
“Getting connected to families and friends is vitally important to Texans who live in nursing facilities, and this is really an unprecedented situation that we want facilities to know that this option exists,” says Weldon.
Each nursing home in Texas will get about $3,000 to purchase those devices.
Austin leaders discuss spending framework for economic relief to residents
The Austin City Council meets today for a special meeting regarding a new spending framework for federal dollars that have been received. That includes the $170 million from the Cares Act. More than $101 million is being considered for direct economic relief to residents. No action is expected on any agenda item today.
“The Safe Six” implemented for workplace readiness
The Round Rock Chamber of Commerce hosts a webinar to guide business owners toward the safest practices to reopen. Workplace strategist Antonia Cardone recommends what she calls “the safe six”, which are guidelines to help prepare the workplace for the return of employees and customers.
“This may involve making some markings on the floor; this may involve decommissioning some seats,” says Cardone.
“The safe six” includes limiting access to buildings, minimizing common touchpoints cleaning, sanitizing, social distancing and proper coordination among workers.
Williamson County hospitals continue to have sufficient capacity
In Central Texas, Williamson County’s hospital system has continued to avoid any real strain due to COVID-19 patients. 54% of hospital beds are still free and clear, as are 68% of ventilators. 15 people are currently hospitalized for the virus, 345 have recovered and 221 cases are still active.
Voting by mail decision passed through the Texas Supreme Court
The Texas Supreme court rules that the fear of COVID-19 is not a disability allowing Texans to vote by mail. This decision of the state’s highest court goes against two lower court decisions and the finding of a federal court as well. The state Supreme Court concluded that a voter’s lack of immunity to COVID-19 is not a disability as defined by the election code.
“Disability, as that term is used in the Texas election codes provision allowing voting by mail, must involve sickness or physical condition,” says Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton spokesman Mark Rylander.
All hope is not lost for Texas Democrats. Their federal suit could end up before the U. S Supreme Court.
Sunset Valley police officer’s name has been cleared
The Travis County district attorney clears the Sunset Valley police officer involved in the 2018 shooting of a man following a botched jewel heist. Marc Carrillo was shot by officer Oscar Lopez after Lopez found the glass busted out of the Zales jewelry outlet on Brody Lane. During a struggle. Lopez shot Carrillo, leaving him with non life threatening injuries. Carrillo is now serving a six-year prison sentence for burglary.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
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