COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update from the City of Austin
District 8 Staff Note: This information is up-to-date as of 4:25 p.m. on April 21.
The health of Austin and Travis County residents and visitors is our highest priority. Our public health officials are taking appropriate actions to ensure the health and safety of our community. Austin-Travis County leaders have declared a “local state of disaster” to more proactively increase preventative measures in the region.
There are currently 1,174 confirmed cases in the Austin-Travis County area and 26 confirmed deaths of local residents associated with COVID-19. There are 85 patients hospitalized with the illness, 29 in the ICU, and 19 on a ventilator. Reported recoveries from COVID-19 is at 293. The most up-to-date information can be found at http://austintexas.gov/covid19. The website is updated between 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The confirmation of these cases has elevated the Austin Public Health (APH) response to Phase 5 of our five-phase plan, adapted from our pandemic flu plans. We continue to test individuals in accordance with CDC guidelines. We now have 11 test collection points with a public-private partnership between Austin Public Health (APH), St. David’s, Ascension Seton, UT Health Austin (Dell Medical School) and Baylor Scott & White. Testing sites are referral only and will prioritize individuals who are sent by referral and have an appointment at this time. Those seeking testing should work with a healthcare provider to request testing. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms who are uninsured and do not have an established doctor can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 512-978-8775 for guidance.
We continue to monitor and re-evaluate the situation daily and our health officials are prepared to respond as needed. We are in constant communication with other professionals in cities, counties, and states across the country, evaluating information and practices from around the world. In order to protect our health care system, and slow the spread of COVID-19, the City is now under Stay Home-Work Safe Orders. The Orders require individuals to remain in place at home or place of residence, with exceptions for essential work and activities. When conducting an allowed essential activity, people must use a fabric face covering in addition to maintaining at least 6 feet of social distancing.
Face Coverings Required in Public Places All persons over the age of ten must wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana or handkerchief, when:
Entering a public building;
Using public transportation or ride shares;
Pumping gas; and
Outside and when six feet of social distancing cannot be consistently maintained between non-household members.
Face coverings are not required when:
Eating;
Riding in a personal vehicle;
Alone in a separate, single space;
In the presence of other members of your residence; or
When wearing one poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk such as anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
Medical grade (N95) and surgical masks should be reserved and used only by medical professionals and first responders.
Stay Home-Work Safe
In order to protect our health care system, and slow the spread of COVID-19, the City is now under Stay Home-Work Safe Orders. The Orders require individuals to remain in place at home or place of residence, with exceptions for essential work and activities. When conducting an allowed essential activity, people must use a fabric face covering in addition to maintaining at least 6 feet of social distancing.
In general, essential activities include, for example, going to the grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants for take-out, receiving medical care, or taking your pet for a walk. Essential businesses include:
• Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, food banks, convenience stores
• Hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, veterinary offices and other healthcare services
• Childcare facilities providing services that enable essential employees to continue performing their essential work duties
• Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning
• Gas stations and auto repair facilities
• Banks and financial institutions
• Critical infrastructure including energy, water, solid waste collection and other governmental services
• Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other essential businesses
• Businesses that provide necessities of life for economically disadvantaged individuals and shelter facilities
• Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, and goods directly to residences
• Roles required for any Essential Business to “maintain basic operations,” which include security, payroll, and similar activities
Additionally, pursuant to the Governor’s most recent Executive Order, all construction and religious gatherings are considered essential activities. Worker protection and safety requirements in the City’s Stay Home-Work Safe Order remain in place. Religious services may occur in churches, congregations, or other houses of worship if they cannot be conducted from home or through remote services. In all cases, individuals must observe the social distancing requirements described in the City’s Stay Home-Work Safe Order.
Non-essential businesses may continue operations if work is performed at their own residences (i.e., working from home). More information about the Stay Home-Work Safe Order can be found at www.austintexas.gov/COVID19. Please review the site for any questions you may have. If you aren’t able to find an answer to your question, please call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. You may also complete this form.
How to Get Help
Before scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider or walking into a clinic, urgent care center or hospital it is recommended that you use one of these or similar services listed below Healthcare providers are encouraging all patients experiencing flu-like symptoms to first use mobile apps or visit websites that have been set up for COVID-19 response. For your safety and convenience telehealth resources are available: http://austintexas.gov/article/covid-19-information-those-who-are-sick
We want to ensure that people seek treatment when symptoms become severe. If your experience any difficulty breathing, chest pains, a very high fever (>104), confusion, or an altered mental state you should contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Your emotional needs are important and if you are worried or upset, there is help. You may be feeling anxiety and worry, sleeping troubles, over or under eating, or sadness and depressed mood. If you have any of these symptoms, please reach out to:
• Integral Care 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance for Mental Illness Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 741741 • Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
How to Give Help
We continue to monitor and re-evaluate the situation daily and our health officials are prepared to respond as needed. We are in constant communication with other professionals in cities, counties, and states across the country, evaluating information and practices from around the world. To see all orders and actions taken please visit www.austintexas.gov/COVID19.
Everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including flu and COVID-19. Critical advice has been issued for people in Austin-Travis County who are aware they have had contact with an individual with COVID-19. The elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying health issues are at a higher risk of severe symptoms for COVID-19. For specific actions you can personally take to protect yourself, your family, and the community, please visit www.austintexas.gov/covid19.
Austin-Travis County Announces
COVID-19 Public Testing Enrollment Form
Over the next week, Austin-Travis County will be rolling out an online form that allows residents to submit a self-assessment to determine the need for a COVID-19 test. This new form will help Austin Public Health gain valuable data to assess testing demand and prioritize those who are at high-risk. This changes the current requirement that residents see a physician to obtain a referral for a test. More information about the rollout can be found in the City's press release.
Utility Bill Assistance Program
Last week, the Austin City Council approved plans by Austin Energy and Austin Water to provide $46 million in relief for customers experiencing hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. The city previously announced that it would suspend disconnections through September 30.
Financial assistance is available through the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) Financial Support Plus 1 fund. If you would like to help support Austinites in need, please consider supporting this fund. You can donate directly on your paper bill or by logging in to your account online.
RISE Fund Application Open
On April 9th, the Austin City Council approved the allocation of $15 million to provide immediate direct services and assistance to Austin residents who are particularly impacted by COVID-19. This funding is available to social services agencies seeking to expand existing services to provide immediate direct services and assistance that are equitably dispersed for vulnerable populations. Eligible agencies can now apply for funding by visiting www.austintexas.gov/RISE.
Individuals who need assistance identifying an agency that can connect them with RISE Funded-services should call 2-1-1.
Remember to Fill Out Your Census Form!
Travis County is only at a 49% completion rate for the 2020 Census. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors about the importance of filling out their census! Our responses impact federal and state government funding for our community, including education, healthcare, SNAP benefits, transportation infrastructure, and more. You can fill out your census form online here.
The City Demographer kindly gave us a breakdown of completion rates by neighborhood in District 8. Please check in with your neighbors and spread the word on Facebook to increase participation!
Ways To Help
Austin-Travis County partnered with local nonprofits in a coordinated food delivery service program for those experiencing homelessness. Donations to the Central Texas Food Bank and The Other Ones Foundation would be greatly appreciated to help with this effort. LinkWe Are Blood is in need of donations of blood and platelets. LinkWe Are Blood is asking for donations of convalescent plasma from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 to help treat current patients. Link Oak Hill United Methodist Church is offering assistance to residents who are 60+ years old and cannot leave their home. They are also seeking volunteers who are able to help. LinkThe Red River Cultural District is seeking donations for unemployed venue workers, musicians, creatives, service industry, and production workers. LinkThe Austin Creative Foundation created the Stand with Austin Fund to support nonprofits assisting individuals and small businesses most impacted by the SXSW cancellation. LinkSupport your favorite locally-owned businesses by ordering take-out, delivery, or purchasing gift cards.
Community Kudos
This past weekend, Circle C resident Remo Spagnol ran a continuous 100 miles through his neighborhood to raise money for the Central Texas Food Bank. So far, he's raised over $11,000! Way to go, Remo!
