COVID-19 cases soaring
Austin health officials say they’ve seen the highest rate of positive COVID-19 cases in the past week than any other metro area in the country. Mayor Steve Adler says that’s why masks are important.
“If everybody in this city started wearing masks even when they were outside, when they were around other people, then other people would do it,” Adler says.
If this rate continues, Austin will run out of hospital space by mid July. Meanwhile, The Texas Tribune is reporting that Travis County officials have been quietly recruiting dozens of volunteer doctors and nurses to staff a possible 100 bed hospital that would be set up at the Austin Convention Center. It’s possible such a temporary hospital could be open in mid July. This is according to emails sent to a member of the state’s disaster volunteer force and obtained by the Texas Tribune.
Safety measures placed at voting locations
Early voting starts today for the delayed runoff elections. The process of in-person voting will look a lot different this time around because of the pandemic. County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir tells CBS Austin the changes start when you sign in.
“Little plastic covering that goes on the end of your finger so that it’s covered and when you use your finger to sign in at the sign-in table you don’t have to touch the poll pad,” says DeBeauvoir.
Also, you’ll mark your ballot with a popsicle stick instead of your finger. She also encourages people to wear a mask, but says you won’t be stopped from voting if you don’t wear a mask. But, you will be put farther away from everyone else. Election Day is July 14th.
4th of July weekend could be critical to COVID-19 progress
Economists and health experts will keep a close eye on coronavirus infections this 4th of July weekend. Economist Ray Perryman says if Memorial Day weekend was any indication, the celebration of Independence Day will be a major factor for businesses long after.
“How people respond to the healthy during this next holiday weekend could be absolutely critical to how well we do the rest of the year,” Perryman says.
Austin’s job loss rate continues to increase
Perryman previously predicted the Austin area would end the year with a net loss of 64,000 jobs. However, with the governor pumping the brakes on reopening and the uncertainty of the holidays, the number of jobs lost could increase by another 6,000-7,000 on the low end.
HEB reinstating purchase limits
Due to the pandemic, HEB is once again putting limits on purchasing some items because of the growing number of COVID-19 cases. This effort is to ensure availability of items that include toilet paper and paper towels. The limit is two multi-packs per trip to the store. There are also limits on some over-the-counter drugs, disinfecting sprays, wipes and hand sanitizer.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-6-29-20
