CORONAVIRUS restrictions in Austin, Texas have begun to tighten as cases have been rising in the state.
The city has announced new measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Why is Austin, Texas at Stage 5 Covid restrictions?
Austin, Texas has been experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases since July 30.
The city has adopted new measures after reaching a seven-day average of 50 new hospital admissions.
The average has since gone up to 67, with 91 hospitalizations reported Wednesday, August 4, 2021.
The area’s positivity rate is at 14.5 percent, according to data from the Austin-Travis County COVID-19 dashboard.
Austin’s Public Health department says it has plans for alternative care sites should the hospitals overflow with patients.
What did officials say about Austin, Texas’ Covid restrictions?
Local health authorities are urging residents of Austin-Travis county to use discretion when going outdoors.
Local Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes is suggesting residents get vaccinated and told KXAN about the new coronavirus measures, saying: “This is our Olympic moment. We have to do this.
“We have to get vaccinated so our businesses can thrive and our children can go back to school safely.
“For those that are fully vaccinated, we need you to wear a mask for others.
Adding: “We are asking you to step up again and decrease the number of cases in our community.”
“Businesses can make a decision to require vaccinations and we support the ones that do so.”
What are the Austin, Texas stage 5 Covid recommendations?
There are two tiers of recommendations, vaccinated or partially vaccinated, for residents of Austin-Travis county in Texas.
The recommendations in Stage 5 for fully-vaccinated residents are:
- Wear a mask in low-risk indoor and outdoor settings
- Avoid high-risk indoor and outdoor settings
- Wear a mask for low-risk travel while high-risk travel should only be taken if essential
- Wear a mask for low-risk dining indoors.
- Outdoor dining is recommended for high-risk situations
- Fully-vaccinated customers should wear masks in low-risk shopping scenarios.
- Utilize takeaway or curbside shopping for high-risk settings
The recommendations in Stage 5 for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated residents are:
- Should get fully vaccinated
- Should avoid indoor and outdoor gatherings in all settings
- Any type of travel should be avoided
- Utilize takeaway or curbside dining
- Utilize takeaway or curbside shopping
