AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active. For the latest updates, check out our new blog here.
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. 1 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 748,900 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 15,700 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 29,500 cases have been reported and at least 429 people have died. At least 28,532 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,900 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 55 people have died. At least 4,592 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 8,600 cases have been reported in the county and at least 143 people have died. More than 8,400 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Oct. 1
Updates:
6:45 p.m. – On Thursday, the Austin City Council approved at least $15 million in COVID-19 relief to help live music venues, arts organizations and child care providers pay for expenses as a result of losses caused by the pandemic.
The funding will be deposited for distribution in the Save Austin's Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund, which falls under the City's General Fund Emergency Reserve Fund.
At least $6.5 million will come directly from the Financial Services Department Capital Budget ($6 million) and the Building Services Department Capital Budget ($500,000).
The remaining $8.5 million will come from sales tax revenues, according to an amendment to the proposed resolution by Mayor Steve Adler, not the Pay for Success Reserve Fund Operating Budget and Austin Transportation Department Mobility Fund Operating Budget.
5:55 p.m. – Travis County reported another two deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday along with 62 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 29,576 cases and 429 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 28,532 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 83 people hospitalized from COVID-19, with 26 in the ICU and 12 on ventilators.
5:45 p.m. – Hays County reported another six confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, along with 77 additional people now considered recovered. The total number of confirmed cases is 5,946 with 1,299 of those considered active.
3 p.m. – The City of Austin application period for the Austin Non-Profit Relief Grant is closing soon on Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.
The City recently revised eligibility to ensure grant guidelines accommodate more non-profit organizations. The Austin Non-Profit Relief Grant has a remaining $2.4 million fund providing up to $20,000 grants to Austin’s non-profit community toward reimbursement of eligible expenses including rent, payroll and other economic needs.
Click here for more information.
2:50 p.m. – Starting Oct. 5, the testing site in Pflugerville will be adjusting its hours to better meet the needs of the community through the end of the year.
The site at 103 North Railroad Avenue is operated jointly by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Austin Public Health (APH).
The new hours are as follows:
- Mondays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Tuesdays 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Wednesdays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Thursdays 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Fridays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Saturdays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sundays closed
This testing site does not require an appointment and is a drive-thru site, though individuals who arrive on foot will not be turned away.
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