Page 43 - Mark Escott News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

APH, WCCHD offer more COVID-19 vaccines to educators By Carissa Lehmkuhl APH, WCCHD offer more COVID-19 vaccines to educators Right now, even if an educator qualifies for the 1A or 1B groups, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to get a vaccine right now. AUSTIN, Texas - Local health districts are stepping up to try and prioritize teachers when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations. Right now, even if an educator qualifies for the 1A or 1B groups, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to get a vaccine right now. That’s because there are over 500,000 people in Travis County that fit into that category, accord...

Area businesses, including restaurants and retail, are now permitted to move to 75% occupancy, and hospitals can resume elective surgeries. 

Elective surgeries may also now resume, according to Gov. Greg Abbott's order. Author: KVUE staff Updated: 9:19 AM CST February 1, 2021 AUSTIN, Texas — COVID-19 patients have made up less than 15% of total hospital capacity in the Austin area (Trauma Service Area O) for seven consecutive days now, meaning restaurants and other businesses can return to operating at 75% capacity and elective surgeries may resume, according to Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order. Should Austin-area COVID-19 hospitalizations again rise above 15% of capacity for seven consecutive d...

However, Dr. Mark Escott, Austin-Travis County interim health authority, said broader distribution of the vaccine could be on the horizon with the approval of a new vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Johnson & Johnson published the results of its Phase 3 clinical trials Jan. 29, announcing a 72% protection rate in United States trials once 28 days have elapsed since vaccination. Within 50 days, protection rises to 100%, Escott said. “There are lots of benefits to this vaccine in terms of the public health response,” he said. “Primarily, it's a single ...

If COVID cases account for less than 15% of hospital admissions in the area on Saturday, businesses will be able to raise capacity from 50% to 75% and elective surgeries can resume.