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KVUE is keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus and COVID-19 news in the Austin area.
Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's Oct. 15 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 805,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 16,700 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 30,688 cases have been reported and at least 442 people have died. At least 29,465 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 6,110 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 59 people have died. At least 5,294 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 9,000 cases have been reported in the county and at least 146 people have died. More than 8,762 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Oct. 15
Updates:
9:05 p.m. – Hays County reported two more deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday, a San Marcos man in his 70s and an Austin woman in her 90s. Health officials also reported 24 new confirmed cases, two new hospital discharges and 71 additional people now considered recovered.
7:50 p.m. – In a letter to parents, students and staff, Hill Elementary School in northwest Austin said someone at the school has tested positive for COVID-19. It said all individuals who may have been in direct contact were notified to quarantine, and the areas the person may have been in have been "thoroughly cleaned and sanitized."
6:35 p.m. – After weeks of reporting from the KVUE Defenders, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) plan to release COVID-19 data for individual public schools, according to a spokesperson from TEA.
As of Thursday, TEA and DSHS still have not disclosed the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in specific schools.
The KVUE Defenders formally requested the information under the Texas Public Information Act a month ago, but neither DSHS or TEA had officially responded until Thursday.
6:30 p.m. – Williamson County reported another death from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 19 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 9,093 cases and 146 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 8,762 people have recovered from the virus.
Williamson County currently has 22 people hospitalized from COVID-19, with nine in the ICU and five on ventilators.
6:25 p.m. – Travis County reported another 87 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total to 30,688 cases and 442 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 29,465 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 97 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 36 in the ICU and 23 on ventilators.
WATCH: Austin, Texas coronavirus update: Health officials speak amid bars reopening around the State
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