AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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, also known as COVID-19, news in the Austin area.
Scroll down for the top headlines and latest updates in KVUE's Aug. 17 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 535,000 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 9,900 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: Over 24,100 cases have been reported and at least 335 people have died. At least 22,821 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 5,100 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 41 people have died. At least 2,463 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 7,300 cases have been reported in the county and at least 102 people have died. More than 5,800 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Aug. 17
Updates:
6:20 p.m. – Williamson County is now reporting a total of 7,482 cases, 89 deaths and 6,663 recoveries.
6:15 p.m. – Austin-Travis County health officials report 265 new cases and 321 more recoveries. A total of 24,409 cases, 23,144 recoveries and 335 deaths have now been reported.
6 p.m. – From July 1 to Aug. 14, Austin ISD says 36 employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Their departments include custodial, service center, warehouse, food service, transportation, administrative and police.
A total of 170 employees have been quarantined.
5:30 p.m. – Texas becomes the fourth state to surpass 10,000 COVID-19 deaths, according to new data from State health officials.
4:45 p.m. – Hays County reports 39 new lab-confirmed cases since Friday's update, bringing the county's total number of lab-confirmed cases to 5,150. Of those, 2,646 are considered active. The county also reported 42 additional recoveries since Friday, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,463. Hays County has had 41 coronavirus-related deaths.
2 p.m. – The Travis County Sheriff's Office reports one new inmate has tested positive for COVID-19. This inmate was held in quarantine when tested, then moved to the Quarantine-Confirmed Positive Unit. Five inmates were either cleared by medical to be released from Quarantine-Confirmed Positive or were released from custody (on bond or sentence completion).
A total of 586 inmates have been tested, with a total of 36 positive results. Three are still pending.
A total of 398 staff members have also been tested, with 67 positive results. Three are still pending.
12:30 p.m. – The City of Austin has launched a new $17.75 million rental assistance program to help provide eligible renters pay rent. Click here for more information.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: