AUSTIN, Texas — Just a week ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved Travis County to the "medium" COVID-19 risk level given its metric leap in cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days — all in accordance to its guidelines. Since the county’s Community Level has gone under 200, Austin Public Health said the CDC has lowered it to "low" risk.
Community Levels are also based on the county's number of COVID hospitalizations per 100K residents and the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied in a 7-day average.
According to APH's dashboard, Travis is at 190.12 new cases per 100,000 residents in the previous seven days.
The Texas Department of State Health Services on Thursday reported 6,415 new confirmed cases of the virus statewide as well as 1,770 new probable cases. There were seven additional fatalities attributed to the disease. Currently, 1,688 Texans are hospitalized with COVID-19, of whom 295 are in intensive care and 88 are pediatric patients.
CDC has a list of recommendations for those either up-to-date with their COVID vaccines or at risk of COVID.
Up-to-date with vaccines:
- Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping
- Medium: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping. Mask when social distancing is not possible
- High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping
- Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping
- Medium: Indoor masking when gathering, dining and shopping
- High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping
APH persists to practice basic hygienic routines, such as washing your hands. It’s of precaution to wear a mask, however, it is of your free-will. Social distancing is still suggested by APH.
Those with symptoms, a positive COVID test or potential exposure should wear a mask, according to APH.