Austin Returns to Stage 4 COVID Recommendations

Covid 19

It’s official: Austin and Travis County are shifting to Stage 4 on Austin Public Health’s COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines. This change comes as key metrics show declining infections and an improved Community Transmission Rate.

“With omicron, we saw test numbers and positivity rates that surpassed our previous records during the pandemic. This surge posed a threat to our hospital systems and our community as a whole,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “It’s thanks to the many community members who got vaccinated, continue to wear masks and follow safe practices that our numbers are moving in the right direction.”

The COVID-19 omicron outbreak peaked in January for Austin and Travis County.

“We can’t simply make this virus go away because we are ready to get back to normal”, said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. “We need to stay the course and that means getting boosted. All of our clinics offer all three vaccines and subsequent boosters. Take some time out of your day to get up to date with your vaccine protection.”

Stage 4 recommendations include the following:

  • Fully vaccinated and/or boosted individuals should wear masks when gathering with people outside of their household, traveling, dining and shopping.
  • Partially or unvaccinated individuals and those who need their booster dose should wear masks, avoid gatherings with people outside of their household, only travel and shop if essential and choose takeaway/curbside options for dining. Get fully vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible.

“Today’s announcement comes with cautious optimism. But, we still face a special risk with people about to arrive from all over for South by Southwest and the rodeo,” said Mayor Steve Adler. “Let’s all get boosted and wear masks through these spring festival events. Doing this protects our city.”

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