Some people are balking at the idea of a new vaccine pushed by a government they don’t entirely trust, and that’s causing concern among health officials who say that the virus won’t be stopped until at least 70% and some say 80% of the population is immune. Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune
When Julieta Hernandez began hearing the first rumblings about a COVID-19 vaccine soon arriving in Texas, the Rockport writer and bartender had no doubts that she would get her shot when her time came.
And then she sat down to breakfast with her vegetarian parents, lifelong believers in homeopathic treatments with a deep skepticism for vaccines and mistrust in the government.
People should take the rising number of COVID-19 cases into consideration as they weigh their holiday plans this week, the interim health authority for Austin-Travis County said.
“Our best advice is stay home and don’t travel,” Dr. Mark Escott told reporters during a news conference Monday.
Escott said the city is facing an “unprecedented” surge in COVID-19 cases. So far, cases have increased 86% since the beginning of the month.
“This week COVID-19 will become the third leading cause of death in Travis County for 2020,” he said.
Coronavirus in Austin, Texas: Health leaders give update before Christmas | KVUE
Janet Pichette, Austin Public Health’s chief epidemiologist, said the current surge in cases is largely linked to Thanksgiving gatherings. She said that should serve as a warning to everyone making plans this week.
COVID-19 numbers in Austin-Travis County are up 86% since start of Dec
COVID-19 numbers in Austin-Travis County are up 86% since start of Dec
Austin Public Health officials warned that if numbers continue as they are, a surge in Austin is likely to be devastating.
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health officials say that by the end of the year, COVID-19 will be the third leading cause of death in Travis County.
While vaccines are being administered, officials say it is not enough to stop or slow down any surges, or spikes, that will come from holiday gatherings. It s going to take some time to have enough vaccine to cover enough of our community to achieve that herd immunity, said Cassandra DeLeon, Interim APH Assistant Director.
Over 200 providers register to distribute vaccine in Travis County
By Lauren Reid
AUSTIN, Texas - More than 200 providers have registered to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in Travis County. The first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Austin-Travis County earlier this week through direct shipments to local hospitals.
Vaccine supply is currently limited to healthcare workers defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vaccine Allocation Guiding Principles, but vaccine distribution is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks and months.
FOX 7 Discussion: COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Austin
UT Health Austin s chief clinical officer Amy Young joins Mike Warren on FOX 7 Austin to talk about the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations underway in Central Texas.
Austin Public Health defines role as COVID-19 vaccine distribution begins.
Austin, Texas – The first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Austin-Travis County earlier this week through direct shipments to local hospitals. Vaccine supply is currently limited to healthcare workers defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vaccine Allocation Guiding Principles.
“We are thrilled that more than 200 vaccine providers have registered through DSHS or the CDC to distribute COVID-19 vaccine in Austin-Travis County,” said Cassandra DeLeon, Interim APH Assistant Director for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “As more vaccine becomes available, we need our community to look to the places they usually get vaccinated, such as doctor’s offices and pharmacies to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.”