Amid the growing uncertainty about the spread of coronavirus in Travis County, a bit of good news has surfaced this week regarding those who are at the highest risk of death. According to Austin Public Health, the testing of nursing home staff members and residents in Austin and Travis County has revealed a declining positivty rate. The rate has dropped significantly for staffers, and even more significantly for residents.
33 facilities were tested by various entities. According to a release from Austin Public Health, the breakdown is as follows:
• Six facilities conducted COVID-19 testing on their own using their contracted labs
• Eight facilities conducted the testing on their own, but their test kits were supplied by APH
• 19 facilities conducted the testing with APH both providing test kits and performing the testing
As of June 23, a total of 5,641 individuals (3,476 staff and 2,165 residents) were tested.
The testing also shows that screening of staff members may help detect asymptomatic COVID-19 infections.
