Signs in the hallway of the Liberal Arts and Science Academy tell people to wear masks and wash their hands.
Austin and Travis County have moved into stage 5 restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, officials announced at a news conference Wednesday. At this level, residents are urged to stay home and businesses are asked to operate only through curbside and delivery.
Austin Public Health s interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said the community had reached another critical moment : Since Dec. 1, there has been a 97% increase in new cases diagnosed in Travis County and an 80% increase in the moving average of daily hospital admissions. He said he was concerned about hospital staffing and resources should Austin see the type of surge going on in other parts of the state.
Austin elevated to Stage 5 restrictions - what does that mean?
By Kacey Bowen
Austin elevated to Stage 5 restrictions - what does that mean?
Officials stressed that people should approach the holidays with a new and open mindset about how to spend their time, but still follow the guidelines.
AUSTIN, Texas - As hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases continue to increase, Austin-Travis County has now moved into Stage 5 for the COVID-19 risk assessment. In this stage we’re seeing so much community spread going on that anywhere we go, outside our household, we have to consider ourselves at risk, said Interim Public Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott.
Austin health officials, wary of a growing surge in coronavirus cases ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Day, are now calling for the community to comply with the tightest pandemic restrictions so far this year.
Travis County on Wednesday officially moved to Stage 5 of Austin Public Health s risk-based guidelines, which include calls to scale back customer capacity at businesses and for little or no travel. The move comes as data show a steady increase in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
Stage 5 guidelines recommend that restaurants close all indoor dining and keep outdoor dining to 50% capacity. Businesses and restaurants are also urged to switch to delivery and takeout only.
Elevan A Austin Y Condado De Travis Al Nivel De Restricción Más Alto Para Frenar El COVID-19 kut.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kut.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
KUT
Signs in the hallway of the Liberal Arts and Science Academy tell people to wear masks and wash their hands.
Austin and Travis County have moved into stage 5 restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, officials announced at a news conference Wednesday. At this level, residents are urged to stay home and businesses are asked to limit capacity and operate only through curbside and delivery if possible.
Austin Public Health s interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said the community had reached another critical moment : Since Dec. 1, there has been a 97% increase in new cases diagnosed in Travis County and an 80% increase in the moving average of daily hospital admissions. He said he was concerned about hospital staffing and resources should Austin see the type of surge going on in other parts of the state.