Photo by Roschetzky Photography
Coronavirus hits home for Austin Travis County EMS, as one of its own tests positive for the virus. As the state scrambles to find more protective equipment to combat these situations, A.T.C. EMS Chief Ernesto Rodriguez says they have a good amount of gloves, masks and gowns,
“The area that we’re running low on or anticipate that we’re going to run low on is gowns. Fortunately, a local company has stepped up and they’re beginning to produce gowns that pass all the tests, as far as protecting our personnel.”
He says they are confident they’ll have all they need as long as the local infection rate remains under control.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Austin and Travis County are now into the triple digits.
Austin Public Health reports 119 cases, which is far and above the most of any surrounding county. 22 cases now in Williamson County. 2 in Bastrop County. Across Texas, 974 cases reported and the number of deaths now up to 12. Hays County has taken one step further in its race to stop Coronavirus. Like Travis and Williamson, Hayes is now under a shelter at home order, but along with that, it’s also now the first county in central Texas to impose a mandatory curfew. Judge Reuben Becerra says, until April 10th, only essential employees allowed out between 11 p.m. And 4 a.m. He says that extra step is necessary because more than half of the 11 cases now reported there have been transmitted from person-to-person. The order applies to hotels, motels and rentals, and he says willful disregard of his order can cost you 500 bucks per violation.
48 City of Hutto employees join the thousands of others in Central Texas who are now out of work. The city says the Corona virus outbreak has caused significant financial hardship. Wayne Cunningham, now a former animal control officer, tells CBS Austin his job shouldn’t have been cut,
“A community the size of Hutto, that is growing as quickly as Hutto is, needs animal control officers that have been trained to do just that.”
City Council will hold a meeting at seven o’clock this evening to discuss the response to Coronavirus, but it’s not known if they’ll also discuss those layoffs. The Austin City Council meets this morning to vote on a 60 day grace period for renters. Councilmember Greg Casar says this is one of the only solutions available right now for helping people impacted by COVID-19,
“When it comes down to it, a lot of landlords aren’t gonna get as much of their rent on April 1st or on May 1st, either way. With or without this ordinance.”
That grace period would only be given if a renter can prove to a landlord that financial difficulties were caused directly by the virus. Travis County recently halted all evictions.
Some Austinites are still taking advantage of the greenbelts during the shelter in place order and that has some people worried. Here’s Austin Alternative Health Authority Dr Jason. Pickett,
“In fact, I encourage people to get outside and get some exercise and be out there. Just not to congregate in groups and try to keep that appropriate six foot distance from each other.”
He says he doesn’t believe there are any significant risks of transferring the virus just because you’re out at a park. After a request on Monday from Governor Abbott and a letter yesterday from both Texas Senators, President Trump has issued a major disaster declaration for the state of Texas.
Governor Abbott’s Major Disaster Declaration request letter said the COVID-19 outbreak was so severe, the response is beyond the capabilities of state and local governments. A point the governor reiterated on Tuesday,
“We need more soldiers on that front line. As a result, we are enlisting every doctor, every nurse, every medical personnel that we can find.”
Senator Cornyn says the declaration should go a long way in helping Texas contain the Coronavirus,
“It frees up FEMA and different supply lines of equipment, resources, and additional money.”
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office is warning to be on the lookout for a fake deputy making traffic stops. A man in a black SUV is said to have pulled over several cars and ordered them to go home because of the shelter-at-home order. The Sheriff’s Office says deputies will only make stops in marked units and in full uniform. If you’re not sure, put on your hazards and then call 911 to verify that that deputy is legitimate.
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-3-26-20
