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As expected, given the recent surge in local COVID-19 cases and growing concerns about the Delta variant, Austin and Travis Counties issued a scope of risk-based guidance on Friday the 23rd.
A press release from the city of Austin – which noted the increasing presence of the Delta variant in central Texas and the fact that more younger people are being hospitalized than during previous COVID-19 spikes – stated that the seven-day moving average of new hospital admissions has exceeded the threshold of more than 30 admissions per day, driving the transition to the elevated risk level of level 4.
The seven-day moving average of new hospital admissions – which rose more than 203 percent since July 4, from 63 to 202 hospital admissions on July 22 – is one of several key indicators Austin Public Health, Travis County and local hospital partners use in weighing risk monitor -based guidelines.
They also include the number of people who tested positive out of the total number of people tested in a given week, a number that has tripled from 3.2 percent to 9.6 percent according to health officials, and the number of COVID-19 Patients in the region’s intensive care units, up nearly 242 percent from 24 people on July 4 to 82 people on July 22.
“Each of us has a personal decision to make: will we do our part to stop the transmission of the disease by getting vaccinated and taking the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others, or will we be part of its further spread be? “Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health department, says. “COVID-19 is still present and continues to weigh on our health community and we must end the transmission cycle.”
Also of concern for the rise in risk levels is that the new variant could spread from vaccinated people to unvaccinated people, especially younger children who are not yet approved for the vaccine. Therefore, health authorities recommend masking yourself if possible and maintaining social distance.
Level 4 recommendations include the following:
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Fully vaccinated individuals should wear a mask when attending private indoor gatherings, traveling, eating or shopping, and wearing a mask for outdoor gatherings if they are unable to distance themselves socially.
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Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals should avoid private gatherings, travel, dining, and shopping unless clearly necessary and should wear a mask during essential activities.
Health officials also point out that vaccination against COVID-19 is still the most effective way for individuals to protect themselves, but they warn that the community with only 62.41 percent of local residents being fully vaccinated remains vulnerable, especially to the highly transferable delta variant.
“I hate that our hospitals fill up again. We wished so much that this was over. But once again we have to dig deep to protect our intensive care units and our exhausted doctors and nurses and stop this Delta variant. Please take the shot, ”says Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “After vaccination, wearing a mask indoors is the least intrusive and effective measure we can and must do to prevent further spread.”
Adler adds that children in the region will be returning to schools without wearing a mask in just a few weeks.
“If I could order all children and teachers to mask themselves without going to court, I would do it in no time,” says Adler. “It is now up to each individual and each company to decide how much we want to avoid a return [a higher stage]where unvaccinated people have further limitations in activities like eating out and shopping. Let’s wear masks inside and avoid going there. “
COVID-19 vaccinations are still free and do not require identification or health insurance.
Residents can use Vaccines.gov to find providers in their area or send their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a clinic nearby.
Information and updates on COVID-19 can be found at AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.
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