Travis County Need to Know: 7/10/20
A weekly update of trends and announcements
A look at the data:
Data taken from the Texas Department of State Health Services, up to date as of 7/9/20 at 9:30am.
Travis County is in Trauma Service Area O, which makes up a good part of central Texas. As of 7/9/20 at 9:30am, hospitals were still at 80.3% capacity, which is only slightly above the national average of 76%. The number of ICU beds, however, has decreased to 65. As Travis County is beginning to hit ~70 hospitalizations a day, this is a bit worrying.
Events
The Austin City Limits (ACL) music festival has been cancelled for 2020 and plans to be hosted in 2021. This represents a major loss to local businesses, so please make sure to support locally-owned businesses in a safe and sanitary manner!
Government Action
Travis County has met the requirements to move into Stage 5 of COVID-19 response. This is the highest level of response, but specific actions have not been heavily detailed. There is a possibility that this will involve closing non-essential businesses again. Austin Public Health leaders decided Thursday that it was not necessary to move into Stage 5 yet, and they will reconvene on Wednesday to revisit the matter.
Local Testing Sites
Testing in Austin is proving to be a hot topic right now. Most tests in the city will not come back for 7–10 days due to backlog, but at that point an individual is no longer infectious. At this point, the best strategy if you think you may have COVID-19 is self-quarantine.
FastMed Urgent Care: No appointment or referral required. Testing is available for all patients, including asymptomatic individuals. Due to high demand, test results are currently taking 7–10 days.
Remedy: Telehealth appointments and drive-through tests in Austin. Uninsured patients can use code CARES at checkout. As of Wednesday, they still allowed asymptomatic individuals to receive a test.
CVS Pharmacy: Tests limited to at-risk patients over 18
Baylor Scott and White: Testing pending in Lakeway location; available with referral downtown.
If you think you might be sick:
- Stay Home and isolate yourself from housemates (including pets), using a face mask as necessary. Monitor your symptoms regularly.
- Contact your doctor about testing and treatment options. When necessary, you leave the house for medical care. If you have trouble breathing, chest pains, blue lips, new confusion, or difficulty staying awake, seek emergency care immediately.
- Visit the CDC’s webpage for full guidance about living with housemates during COVID-19.
