COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update from the City of Austin
District 8 Staff Note: This information is up-to-date as of 8:21 p.m. on March 15.
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 following recommendations from interim local Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott, who acted on advice from an independent panel of experts.
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. If local public health officials report any change in their assessment or recommendations, immediate action will be taken.
There are currently six confirmed cases in the Austin-Travis County area, although the total number of tests has not been released. We continue to test individuals in accordance with CDC guidelines. The confirmation of these cases has elevated the Austin Public Health (APH) response to Phase 3 of our five-phase plan, adapted from our pandemic flu plans. Phase 3 means there are confirmed cases but no person-to-person spread. Austin Public Health is working in collaboration with the Dell Medical School and local healthcare systems to rapidly increase the availability of testing, including locations for drive-through testing. We are finalizing those plans and hope to have that capability in place shortly.
The City of Austin and Travis County continue to evaluate additional protections for the community based on these positive cases. At this time, the Austin-Travis County Health Authority has issued a series of control orders which requires nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities, restaurants, food establishments, and the healthcare system to take a range of immediate actions to enhance protections against the spread of COVID-19. Measures include but are not limited to screening visitors, staff, and patients prior to entry, additional signage, access to hand sanitizer, and additional reporting requirements to Austin Public Health.
Also, gatherings of more than 250 people are banned. Gatherings smaller than 250 people are encouraged to continue to take appropriate preventative measures and practice appropriate social distancing.
The City of Austin is modifying its operations and some public services will be suspended until Monday, March 30, 2020. This includes some closures of City Facilities, modified services, and potential impacts to public meetings. This is being done to maintain the health and safety of City employees and the community at large while providing critical City services. For more information on impacts to services please see the announcement here: http://austintexas.gov/news/modifications-city-operations-due-covid-19.
We have implemented a broad based community outreach plan to keep the public informed both about the current situation and actions you can personally take.
If people feel unwell they should contact their primary care provider before going to a clinic, urgent care or emergency department, to prevent any potential spread.
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 new advice states:
Any individual who is aware of close unprotected contact (within 6 feet) of an individual with COVID-19 should stay home and monitor their temperature and symptoms for 14 days.
Individuals aware they have been in the same room, but not within six feet, of an individual with COVID-19 should self-monitor their temperature and symptoms for 14 days, avoid close gatherings where they cannot maintain 6 feet of separation from others, including mass transit and air travel.
Individuals exposed to a case who become symptomatic, including with a cough and/or fever, should stay home and contact their primary care provider or telemedicine provider for advice and assessment of testing priority with Austin Public Health.
Anyone who is feeling ill - even if they are not aware of any contact with a COVID-19 case - should also stay at home.
The elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying health issues are at a higher risk of severe symptoms for COVID-19. We are advising those people to take proactive steps to protect themselves including:
Stock up on items and supplies that are necessary for a 14-day period should you be instructed or feel the need to self-quarantine.
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
Avoid crowds as much as possible.
Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
Everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including flu and COVID-19, by following these measures:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For the most up-to-date information, to include actions you can personally take, please visit www.austintexas.gov/covid19.
Utility Shut-Offs and Evictions Suspended
Following the declaration of disaster by Mayor Adler on March 6, which was ratified by Council on March 12, the City of Austin's utilities will be suspending disconnections from all of its customers during this crisis to ensure customers have uninterrupted access to utility services. This is an increasingly difficult time for our vulnerable populations, as well as those whose economic stability is in jeopardy. The City of Austin provides year-round temporary assistance for its customers. If you or a loved one are experiencing hardship, please visit the Customer Assistance Programs page through Austin Energy to see available options.
Additionally, Travis County's five Justices of the Peace issued an order postponing all eviction hearings until April 1, meaning that no one can be evicted from their homes until then. This postponement can be extended if the need continues. Court appearances for traffic and Class C misdemeanors are also being delayed until April 1.
Ensuring Medical Capacity
We need to be prepared for the significant strain on our medical system. Thanks to the speed and professionalism of the Austin-Travis County Health Authority & Austin Public Health staff, the City has been partnering with the entire spectrum of our health community since day one and we will continue to coordinate our efforts moving forward. Staff are in regular contact with all our local hospitals – both public and private – as well as our network of clinics, physicians, long-term care centers, and other health care providers. We will continue to monitor and re-evaluate the situation daily. Our health officials are prepared to respond as needed, including taking any steps necessary to preserve the healthcare system. If local health officials report any change in their assessment or recommendations, immediate action will be taken. For more information on what actions we can individually and collectively take to help our community remain as healthy as possible through this challenge, please visit the City’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage: www.austintexas.gov/COVID19.
Other Items of Note
H-E-B's Director of Public Affairs has assured customers that they have been making preparations for months, and that there is plenty of food and supplies. Link
H-E-B has announced that they will be shortening hours of operation to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., effective Sunday, 3/15. Link
The Texas Medical Board has allowed for the expanded use of telemedicine, following the declaration disaster set by Governor Abbott on 3/13. Link
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting on 3/13 about the district's response to the coronavirus, and gave Superintendent Paul Cruz broader authority to take swift measures to address safety. Link
Austin ISD families have access to a telehealth network through a partnership with Virtual Care for Kids. Co-pays are currently being waived for this service. Link
The Central Texas Food Bank has said it is in urgent need of food and monetary donations. Link
We Are Blood has stated that donations of blood and platelets has dropped significantly. Link
The Other Ones Foundation is in need of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and safety gear. Donations of these items or monetary donations would be appreciated. Link
KUT has compiled a list of ways to help local businesses and artists affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. Link
