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Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: More people hospitalized statewide now than during summer 2020 surge

Here are the latest COVID-19 updates in Central Texas for Friday, Aug. 13.

AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This blog is no longer being updated. Click here for Monday's blog.

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 Aug. 13 live blog.

COVID-19 numbers:

  • Texas: More than 2.7 million cases have been reported in the state, and more than 52,700 people in Texas have died, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
  • Central Texas counties: 
    • Austin-Travis County: The seven-day moving average of new admissions is 79, and an average of 569 people are hospitalized. The seven-day moving average for new cases is 385. Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 95,000 cases have been reported and at least 912 people have died. 
    • Hays County: There are currently 2,129 active cases and 49 people are currently hospitalized. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 22,689 confirmed cases have been reported and at least 289 people have died. At least 20,181 people have recovered from the virus.
    • Williamson County: There are 267 new cases, and 11% of hospital beds are available and 1% of ICU beds are available. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 46,068 cases have been reported in the county and at least 508 people have died.

For a look at COVID-19 data across all of the state's counties, click here.

The following vaccine events will be available this weekend to eligible recipients without registration or appointments:

Austin Community College Highland Campus (APH) 

Ana Lark Center (APH) 

Southeast Library (APH) 

Little Walnut Creek Library (APH) 

Travis County Expo (Travis County) 

Ana Lark Center (APH) 

Dailey Middle School (Travis County) 

Del Valle High School Opportunity Center (Travis County/APH)

La Moreliana Meat Market (Travis County) 

Martin Middle School (Travis County) 

Southeast Library (APH) 

Little Walnut Creek Library (APH) 

Turner Roberts Recreation Center (APH) 

Video Super (APH)

Travis County Expo (Travis County) 

Hong Kong Supermarket (Travis County) 

Updates:

4:06 p.m.  11,261 people in Texas hospitals are COVID-19 patients, more than during the summer 2020 surge.

The highest number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 last summer was 10,893 on July 21, according to DSHS. 

The record number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals statewide was reached Jan. 11, 2021. 14,218 people were hospitalized due to the virus.

1:45 p.m. – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the DSHS and the TDEM announced that they will be launching additional COVID-19 antibody infusion centers across the state.

In Austin, a center will open Monday at the Travis County Expo Center. Officials are also working to open centers in Conroe, DFW, Laredo and Harlingen. The first center has already opened in San Antonio. Operations have also been expanded at a Lubbock location. More centers will open as additional needs are identified.

"Antibody infusion centers play an integral role in our efforts to combat COVID-19 because they help prevent hospitalizations and ensure that resources are available to treat the most severe cases of this virus," said Gov. Abbott. "Thank you to our local partners for working with the State of Texas to launch these centers across Texas. We will continue to work with local leaders to ensure our communities have the support they need to keep Texans safe and healthy."

10 a.m. – Austin-area community leaders held a press conference to advocate for mask requirements in local schools. You can watch the conference in full below:

9 a.m. – The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Texas National Guard will be offering free vaccinations from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. outside of Baggage Claim 5 at the Austin airport. Second doses will be scheduled at TDEM facilities for later dates. 

WATCH: COVID causing increase in calls and longer ER wait times

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