APH recommends the public to wear masks as COVID-19 cases increase By FOX 7 Austin Digital Team Published According to the CDC, the chances of COVID-19 vaccine breakthroughs happening are low but still possible. AUSTIN, Texas - Moving into Stage 4 of the Austin Public Health Risk-Based Guidelines is now imminent for Austin-Travis County, after surpassing 30 new hospital admissions on the 7-day moving average. While APH officials confirm the trend before moving stages, they are urging the public to take action now by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask to help stop the rising levels of cases and hospitalizations. "We need the community to act as if we are in Stage 4 now to help prevent the continued spread of COVID-19 variants," said Austin-Travis County Health Authority, Dr. Desmar Walkes.