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KVUE is keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, news in the Austin area.
Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's Sept. 25 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 723,900 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 15,200 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 29,000 cases have been reported and at least 420 people have died. At least 27,999 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,800 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 54 people have died. At least 4,262 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 8,500 cases have been reported in the county and at least 142 people have died. More than 8,200 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Sept. 25
Updates:
8:35 p.m. – AT&T said it will automatically waive home internet data overage charges for customers through Dec. 31 as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. New and existing AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet customers can use unlimited data and won't see overage charges on their home internet bill through the end of the year. More information can be found on the AT&T website.
5:50 p.m. – Travis County reported another three deaths from COVID-19 on Friday along with 169 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 29,073 cases and 420 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 27,999 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 85 people hospitalized from COVID-19, with 27 in the ICU and 15 on ventilators.
5:30 p.m. – In an emergency order posted on Friday, the Texas Supreme Court established new procedures for tenants and landlords intended to avoid evictions for tenants behind on rent amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to an advisory from the court, the Texas Eviction Diversion Program will channel $171 million in federal funds for landlords to provide an alternative to evictions. Part of that money is provided by funds from the CARES Act.
Eligibility for rental assistance will be determined by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the court said.
Of the funding for the program, $167 million will go to rental assistance, while $4.2 million will be allocated to help the state's legal aid providers and pro bono lawyers provide basic legal services.
"The Texas Eviction Diversion Program is crucial to our state's response to COVID-19, and it will help many families recover from the impact of the pandemic without the looming threat of eviction," said Gov. Greg Abbott. "This innovative partnership, coupled with the renters assistance provided through CARES Act funding, will strengthen our economic recovery efforts and provide a lifeline to renters and property owners alike."
4:45 p.m. – Texas reported 3,306 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total to 728,552. There were 97 deaths reported statewide on Friday, bringing the total to 15,364.
There are 3,221 hospitalizations statewide as of Friday, with the weekly average down 4% from a week ago.
4:40 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports 39 new lab-confirmed cases and three hospital discharges. The health department also reports 61 additional people now considered recovered. As of Sept. 25, the county confirms there are at least 1,555 active lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. To view a breakdown of the age range of these cases, visit Hays County's interactive dashboard here.
11 a.m. – Starting on Monday, Sept. 28, the Pflugerville test site managed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management will be moving from the Pfield to 103 North Railroad Avenue. This will be the testing site for the rest of the year. The hours of operation will be extended. Click here for more information.
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