AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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 Dec. 7 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 1.2 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 22,600 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 40,481 cases have been reported and at least 495 people have died. At least 37,228 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 7,812 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 106 people have died. At least 6,824 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 14,533 cases have been reported in the county and at least 174 people have died. At least 13,367 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Dec. 7
Updates:
7:25 p.m. – Manor ISD announces that it has been notified that a staff member at Manor Elementary Early Learning Center has tested positive. Those who have been identified as having close contact with this person have been asked to self-quarantine until Dec. 21.
6 p.m. – Austin-Travis County health officials add one more death and 272 new cases. There have now been a total of 40,481 cases, 37,228 recoveries and 495 deaths.
5:05 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports 168 new lab-confirmed cases since Friday, along with four new hospitalizations, eight new hospital discharges and 71 additional people now considered recovered. The total number of individuals considered recovered is 6,824.
Williamson County is now reporting a total of 14,533 cases, 13,367 recoveries and 174 deaths.
1:30 p.m. – Burnet CISD confirms the death of Burnet Middle School Principal Jeremy LeJeune after he tested positive for COVID-19. KVUE obtained the following letter:
Dear Burnet CISD Staff and Community,
We are deeply saddened at the loss of Burnet Middle School Principal Jeremy LeJeune. Mr. LeJeune had long battled a rare blood vessel disorder that required hospital visits and admissions. Although he was feeling well at the beginning of the weekend, he recognized that he needed to go to the hospital. As part of the routine admission process, he tested positive for COVID-19. Although he was asymptomatic, it is likely that the virus exacerbated his condition. He passed away in the hospital on Sunday evening. He was present at Burnet Middle School on Friday, and contact tracing is taking place this morning, but at this time, we do not believe that any students, staff, or visitors will be considered close contacts because safety protocols were followed carefully. If someone is deemed as close contact, they will be notified immediately.
Our hearts go out to Mr. LeJeune’s family, to the Burnet Middle School staff and students, and the larger educational community in which Mr. LeJeune was an active participant. He was President-Elect of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Executive Board, and in 2018-2019 he was named TASSP Region 13 Middle School Principal of the Year.
Mr. LeJeune loved his family very much. He was a devout Christian, an avid UT football fan, and he loved being principal of Burnet Middle School and serving the staff and students there.
Additional counselors will present on campus throughout today, and we will continue to support the school community through this difficult loss. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Keith McBurnett, Superintendent of Schools
11:30 a.m. – The Travis County Sheriff's Office reported nine new COVID-19 cases among TCSO employees, as well as two new cases within the inmate population.
11:10 a.m. – Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management today announced they are launching a COVID-19 Rapid Testing Pilot Program for frontline workers at small businesses.
The TDEM will provide local chamber of commerce organizations with testing supplies, which will then allocate them to small businesses they choose to participate.
"This rapid testing pilot program will protect the safety of small business owners, their employees, and Texas consumers as we continue to combat COVID-19," said Gov. Abbott. "This effective strategy will help us detect and mitigate this virus while ensuring that Texas remains safely open for business. I thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for providing these tests and our participating Chamber of Commerce organizations for partnering with the State of Texas to help protect our communities."
Only six chambers have been selected for the pilot program:
- Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
- Amarillo Economic Development Corporation
- Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
- El Paso Chamber of Commerce
- Laredo Chamber of Commerce
- Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
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