AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer active.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. 29 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 1.4 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 26,500 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 49,648 cases have been reported and at least 544 people have died. At least 44,417 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: At least 10,481 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 125 people have died. At least 8,618 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: At least 20,068 cases have been reported in the county and at least 201 people have died. At least 18,693 people have recovered from the virus.
For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.
GRAPHS: Coronavirus data Dec. 29
Updates:
9:40 p.m. – There are currently 488 COVID-19 patients in Austin-area hospitals, the most since late July and more than double since Dec. 1. Hospitals have 19% of capacity available.
There are 158 COVID-19 patients in Austin-area ICUs, the most since late July and more than double since Dec. 1. Remaining ICU capacity is at 7%, and 37% of all ICU patients are now COVID-19 patients, up from 20% on Dec. 1.
The average daily hospital admissions is at 63.4 per day over the past week – well over the 50+ daily admissions needed to indicate Stage 5 under the Austin-Travis County risk-based guidelines.
There have been 1,078 deaths from COVID-19 in the 12-county KVUE viewing area since the pandemic began. The positivity rate average is around 8%.
8 p.m. – Austin-Travis County leaders announce a new set of orders prohibiting bars and restaurants from offering dine-in services on nights around the New Year's holiday. The orders will be in effect from Dec. 31 through Jan. 3 from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.
RELATED: Travis County enforcing dine-in service curfew for bars, restaurants around New Year's holiday
6:05 p.m. – Area hospitals are asking Central Texans to remain vigilant this New Year's Eve holiday. Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White and St. David's HealthCare issued a statement on Tuesday:
"Currently, Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White and St. David's HealthCare have sufficient staffing and capacity to care for both patients with COVID-19, as well as those with other medical conditions. However, similar to the weeks following Thanksgiving, we are beginning to see an increase of COVID-19 cases in our local communities and in our hospitals following the recent holiday gatherings.
"With that in mind, we ask that the public embrace a sense of urgency in following the recommended guidelines of physical distancing, masking and practicing good hand hygiene as we approach the New Year’s Eve holiday. We know these safety measures are not ideal and can be difficult, but they are proven measures to stop the spread of the virus.
"With vaccines now arriving in our state, there is much hope on the horizon. In the meantime, we ask for continued vigilance. The safety and well-being of our community starts with each of us and the decisions we each make. We can all play a role in preventing hospitalizations and ICU admissions while protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our communities."
5:55 p.m. – Travis County reported two more deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday along with 697 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 49,648 cases and 544 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 44,417 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 434 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 138 in the ICU and 72 on ventilators.
5 p.m. – The Hays County Local Health Department reports one COVID-related fatality; a Buda woman in her 60s. The department also reports 407 new lab-confirmed cases along with 18 new hospitalizations and four new hospital discharges, as well as 221 additional people now considered recovered.
Williamson County reports 549 new cases and three more deaths. A total of 20,068 cases, 18,693 recoveries and 201 deaths have now been reported in the county.
4:45 p.m. – Texas set a new single-day record on Tuesday, with 26,990 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. That number likely includes a backlog from low reporting over the holiday weekend. The state reported 49 new deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the total to 26,762.
Texas has a record high number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals across the state, with 11,775 currently hospitalized statewide.
The state's positivity rate average is at 17.15% – the highest since July 22.
3:30 p.m. – Front line paramedics with Williamson County EMS received COVID-19 vaccinations on Tuesday. The county partnered with Family Hospital Systems to vaccinate EMS personnel.
“I am grateful to Operation Warp Speed for expediting the COVID-19 vaccination process and giving us all hope from the devastation of this virus,” said County Judge Bill Gravell. “I am grateful for Family Hospital Systems and their willingness to work during the holidays to administer the vaccine to our eligible employees. When the vaccine is available for me, I plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage others to take it.”
Williamson County EMS director Mike Knipstein encouraged everyone to consider getting the vaccine when available.
“We are so excited that this day has arrived. This is an important part of helping keep our caregivers safe, and we are blessed to be one of the first to receive the vaccine,” he said.
3:20 p.m. – DSHS Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, releases a statement on vaccine administration in Texas:
“All providers that have received COVID-19 vaccine must immediately vaccinate healthcare workers, Texans over the age of 65, and people with medical conditions that put them at a greater risk of severe disease or death from COVID-19. No vaccine should be kept in reserve.”
1:15 p.m. – As cases continue to rise in the Austin area, local health care professionals are asking the community to donate blood and convalescent plasma.
St. David's Emergency Center - Cedar Park is hosting a blood and convalescent plasma donation drive on Jan. 5 and 6. Appointments are required and can be made using the below links:
Whole Blood:
11:35 a.m. – Dr. Mark Escott is recommending middle and high schools in Austin-Travis County go remote for 2 weeks after winter break, he said at a meeting with Travis County Commissioners on Dec. 29.
RELATED:
Middle, high schools in Austin-Travis County recommended to go remote for 2 weeks after winter break
He was also joined by a local ICU doctor, who shared her first-hand accounts with battling the virus and hospital capacity.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: