AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated.
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. 16 live blog.
COVID-19 numbers:
- Texas: More than 809,800 cases have been reported in the state, and more than 16,800 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Central Texas counties:
- Travis County: At least 30,797 cases have been reported and at least 443 people have died. At least 29,545 people have recovered from the virus.
- Hays County: More than 6,155 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 61 people have died. At least 5,367 people have recovered from the virus.
- Williamson County: More than 9,100 cases have been reported in the county and at least 147 people have died. More than 8,790 people have recovered from the virus.
GRAPHS: Texas coronavirus data Oct. 15
Updates:
6:12 p.m. - Hays County reported another two deaths from COVID-19 on Friday, a San Marcos man in his 50s and a Kyle woman in her 90s. Health officials also reported 21 new confirmed cases and 73 additional people now considered recovered.
6:10 p.m. - Williamson County reported another death from COVID-19 on Friday along with 44 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 9,137 cases and 147 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 8,790 people have recovered from the virus.
Williamson County currently has 26 people hospitalized from COVID-19, with nine in the ICU and five on ventilators.
6:05 p.m. - Travis County reported another death from COVID-19 on Friday along with 109 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 30,797 cases and 443 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At least 29,545 people have recovered from the virus.
Travis County currently has 103 people hospitalized with COVID-19, with 32 in the ICU and 21 on ventilators.
2:50 p.m. - Austin ISD said it has teamed up with Trane Technologies, "a global climate innovator," to assess and improve the quality of indoor air in the school district. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers guidelines to address COVID-19 in the reopening of schools indicate making changes to HVAC systems can reduce exposure to airborne contaminants, AISD said.
A pilot program will be assessing air quality at a sample of elementary, middle and high schools and providing AISD building managers with cost-effective options to improve facilities.
9:20 a.m. - The City of Austin is moving forward with a $15M plan to help businesses struggling during the pandemic. Here's a breakdown of what that entails.
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