Travis County Gains 316 Coronavirus Cases, 2 New Deaths

AUSTIN, TX — Travis County health officials reported an increase of 318 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the historical count to 14,622. In addition, two more people succumbing to the respiratory illness raised the death count to 168.

The updated data are found in a statistical dashboard maintained by Austin Public Health. The pair of new deaths come one day after seven Travis County residents succumbed to the respiratory illness for which there is no vaccine.

While 11,074 people have recovered from the viral infection, 435 are currently hospitalized — including 134 patients being treated at intensive care units and 87 placed on ventilators, according to the county dashboard.

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It's that rate of new hospitalizations that prompts particular anxiety among health officials. The mayor and others have zeroed in on a threshold of 70 as a seven-day moving average, noting that a consistent intake beyond that could prompt drastic measures — including a citywide shutdown — to stem the tide of illness. The seven-day average is now at 70, but it's gone beyond that in recent days.

"Our current ICU seven-day running average is at 142 virus patients in beds and our hospitals are already feeling stressed at that number," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in an email. "Less than three weeks ago, we were had 65 ICU virus patients sleeping in our ICUs."

City of Austin graphic.

About three weeks ago, the mayor said, doctors and scientists told city officials the upward illness trajectory could overwhelm hospitals — especially intensive care units — around this week unless residents measurably changed behavior. "Our community rallied, and we have bought some more time," Adler reported, referencing the various safety measures seen as effective mitigating steps — the wearing of masks, hand washing, keeping a six-foot distance from others — that many residents have practiced.

The mayor made assurances of available hospital capacity for now, but warned that hospitals could still be overwhelmed as a growing number of neighboring cities inquire about the possibility of taking some of their patients to relieve the burden elsewhere. City crews already have prepped the Austin Convention Centers as a de facto field hospital in anticipation of a potential patient surge, Adler previously confirmed.

City of Austin graphic.

"Our regular ICU capacity for something like COVID-19 is just over 200 beds," he wrote. "Our hospitals can surge to about 330 beds by using spaces not normally used. We might even be able to get to over 400 ICU beds if the state and the federal governments provide the needed staff. But these steps present uncertainties. I anticipate that other cities, like Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, will be asking for help the same time we are, so I’m not confident the help will be there when we need it."

As he monitors local trends, Adler said he recalls the experience of hospital staff in New York at the apex of contagion there. A shortage of available medical staff could occur in Travis County, but "we can’t take our foot off the brake," Adler said.

"The experience of hospitals in New York tell us that our existing staff numbers will get reduced as they, too, contract the virus out in the community," Adler continued. "And we’re already getting calls asking if we can take patients from other Texas hospitals that have run out of space. We’re are in a precarious position. We have to do our absolute best not to let our current number double again"

While buoyed by some data, Adler noted the overall numbers are still rising. In response, the Austin City Council acted to provide additional enforcement for the conduct set out in its emergency orders, he said. Among tools of enforcement is the ability to issue fines of up to $2,000 for those not adhering to required safeguards, the mayor noted.

"Our numbers have slowed somewhat, but they are still headed up," Adler worte. "We remain in risk-level stage 4, but we could quickly be in stage 5 if we do not continue to change our behaviors. Doctors tell us the best things we can be doing to slow the spread: wear a mask when you leave your home, keep socially distancing, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, disinfect high touch surfaces, and stay home as much as possible, especially if you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19."

Ahead of presentation of the municipal budget to Austin City Council, Adler said decisions will be made after reviewing, considering modifications and then voting on the budget in suggesting the contagion might figure in the reckoning. The process will begin on Monday after a presentation by the city manager before a final vote in August. Residents wishing to be updated and/or sign up to speak at an upcoming budget meeting can do so by clicking here.

As is his wont, Adler ended his missive by accentuating the positive amid challenging times. He offered favorite "stay safe entertainment" offerings that transpired this weekend, with some running into next week:

• Saturday: Texas Bakers Against Racism staged a virtual bake sale, with proceeds benefiting the baker's choice of nonprofit.
• Listen to the Austin American Statesman’s new podcast about Austin history, Austin Found.
• The Dougherty Arts Center is hosting Art You!, a virtual event for high school students interested in the arts. Log on and interact with some of Austin’s local artists, watch some demos, and receive mentorship advice!
• Starting July 17, watch “A Home Unfamiliar,” a visual art piece. This is the product of several visual and audio artists from Austin. All proceeds from this collaboration will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank and the Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action organizations.

Throughout the contagion, Adler has taken to broadcasting updates on social media titled "Got a Minute?" During the segments, the mayor discussions community response to coronavirus outbreak, breaks down the latest data and more. He also shares art and projects created by children while stuck at home, and is always on the lookout for more. To send artwork, email to Steve.adler@austintexas.gov.

To watch the mayor's "Got a Minute?" segments, tune in live on Facebook or YouTube.