March 27, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

District 8 Staff Note: This information is up-to-date as of 6:30 p.m. on March 26.

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 137 confirmed cases in the Austin-Travis County area. 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.

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, 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 activity, people must maintain 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

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 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. To see all orders and actions taken please visit www.austintexas.gov/COVID19. District 8 staff are available by email and phone messages. You can email our general inbox at district8@austintexas.gov or call us at 512-978-2108.

Please note, it's important that social distancing does not become social isolation. Keep in touch with your family, friends, and neighbors digitally and via phone.

Additionally, the City of Austin has modified its own operations to conform with the Stay Home-Work Safe Order, which may impact some city services. This is being done to maintain the health and safety of City employees and the community at large while providing critical City services.

Some city facilities remain closed at this time. A complete list of closures is available on our website and will be updated as appropriate.

If people feel unwell they should contact their health care provider before going to a clinic, urgent care or emergency department, to prevent any potential spread. 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 have created a section of the website to specifically provide information for people that are sick: http://www.austintexas.gov/article/covid-19-information-those-who-are-sick.

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.