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APH has started publishing demographic data on its COVID-19 vaccine distribution. And while it's encouraged by the results so far, the agency said it is concerned about reaching Black and Brown communities "given the pandemic’s disproportionate impact.”
Mike Wernicke, a 73-year-old Austin-area resident, told the American-Statesman on Monday that he was concerned how and when Austin Public Health would reach out to schedule his second dose due Friday. "There is so much uncertainty out there," Wernicke said. "Obviously, we are eager to get that second dose." While the delay might backlog the distribution of second doses, Austin Public Health officials on Monday assured residents the doses will still be just as effective if delayed days or even a week. "We're not clear what that week is going to look like, but we're anxious to have that di...
Masking, social distancing, and handwashing remains critical. Austin, Texas – Today, Feb. 9, City of Austin and Travis County leaders announced a move to Stage 4 of the Austin Public Health (APH) COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines. Nevertheless, it remains imperative that residents continue to practice all necessary precautions to further reduce the COVID-19 positivity rate. Stage 4 recommendations include the following: Higher-risk individuals (those over the age of 65 and those who have chronic medical conditions) should stay home, except for essential trips such as buying groceries or ...
KUT People wait in line for a COVID-19 vaccine at a Northeast Austin vaccination center on Jan. 14. The city's interim health authority says coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and intensive care admissions have come down enough to bring the Austin area out of the highest level of risk-based guidelines. "We feel strongly that there is not an immediate danger of overwhelming our health care system by transitioning to stage 4," Dr. Mark Escott said. "But that doesn't mean it's time to burn the masks and go back to normal. We still have to maintain protections and we still have to work hard to ...
Austin health officials move City back to Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions Dr. Mark Escott said that even though they are dropping the area to Stage 4, he is concerned about Super Bowl parties bumping it back to Stage 5. Author: Paul Livengood Updated: 7:04 AM CST February 10, 2021 AUSTIN, Texas — On Feb. 9, Austin health officials moved the City back to Stage 4 of its COVID-19 response guidelines. The announcement comes as Austin's hospital admissions keep moving in a downward trend. Austin Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said that even though they a...