Travis County Need to Know: 7/3/20
A weekly update of COVID-19 trends and announcements
First, a look at the data:
Data taken from the Texas Department of State Health Services, up to date as of 7/2/20 at 9:30am
Travis county never really stopped increasing in cases, but now cases are increasing at a much faster rate than they did when stay-at-home measures were enforced.
One indicator of case increases is testing positivity rate, which is defined as positive cases/total tests. Although I am still looking for data that shows this over time for Travis County, the state of Texas is at 13.53% positivity as of 7/2/20. For reference, Governor Abbott stated that 10% positivity would act as a red flag indicator when reopening the state. It was announced during a White House Press Briefing this week that the Austin Metropolitan Area had the highest positivity rate in the county, with a seven-day average of 22%.
Last week’s graph did not show this steep of an increase, and it doesn’t look like hospitalizations are experiencing any drops as they did in April and May. This means that people are entering the hospital at a much faster pace than they are leaving it at. According to Travis County data, individuals under the age of 60 account for a little under 60% of hospitalizations and 85% of cases.
Even as fatalities are increasing, total fatality rates are going down. This may be due to increased testing, which can identify more asymptomatic cases. This may also be because even as young people make up a majority of cases, they make up 15% of deaths. With that being said, it is important to remember that every life still matters.
This week, hospitals still hovered at 80.3% capacity, which is no change from last week. This does come, however, after Abbott’s pause on nonessential surgeries, which in theory would make hospital capacity go down.
Events & Announcements to Be Aware Of:
According to the Austin Police Association, at least six sworn officers and two non-sworn officers have tested positive for COVID-19. On Sunday, Constable Sgt. Dale Multer passed away due to the virus. Muller worked serving protective orders to domestic violence victims and was described by Travis County voter registrar Bruce Elfant as “a passionate and compassionate soul.” Although there is mixed public opinion about the existence of police forces right now, it is important to remember that even a single sick officer has a heavy capacity to asymptomatically spread the virus throughout a community due to the mobile nature of their work. Thus, it is imperative for civilians to show proper respect and take appropriate precautions, both for officers and for one’s own health.
HEB has announced new item restrictions as grocery stores are hitting a second wave of traffic in the area. Please be respectful of fellow shoppers and employees when stocking up (and not stockpiling!) for your family.
Government Action
Mayor Steve Adler recently announced that due to a lack of supplies asymptomatic individuals will not be able to access COVID-19 testing. For the time being, individuals who have not been exposed are asked to assume they are infected and self-quarantine. If troubling symptoms do arise during this period, they should contact their medical provider and assume they have the virus. Adler has also asked individuals with insurance to refrain from accessing City of Austin public health testing to ensure accessibility for uninsured individuals.
Austin City Parks, including Barton Springs and Deep Eddy, will be closed for the Fourth of July weekend in response to overcrowding concerns. Lakeway City Parks will be closed until July 7th, and boating parties on Lake Travis are still restricted to ten people or less.
Effective today, all individuals must wear a mask when in a public space inside or outside, enforced by a $250 fine for individuals. Businesses are also at risk of fines and will be enforcing the rules accordingly. For fashionable masks for the family, check out Redbubble or Society6. I make no money off of promoting these businesses, but right now Society6 is 40% most items with $10 off any purchase if you sign up for their mailing list. Redbubble is 25% off masks with the promo code MASKS25.
Local Testing Sites
It looks like Abbott’s order that asymptomatic individuals not get tested is not being heavily enforced, but this is an important trend to watch as demand increases.
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.
