AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Rising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and concerns over the fast-spreading omicron variant have prompted Austin-area health leaders to return to Stage 4 in Austin Public Health's COVID-19 risk-based guidelines, officials announced Wednesday morning.
“One of the greatest traits of Austin-Travis County is how we have consistently been one of the leaders in the state when it comes to lower Community Transmission Rates. Our people have continually stepped up for the greater good and been the example of how to navigate the COVID-19 surges with masking, social distancing, and vaccinations,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “However, as our vigilance begins to wane, our community is falling behind. We can't afford to be lax in our prevention efforts and I'm confident that Austin-Travis County will once again lead the way."
According to APH, the community transmission rate in Austin and Travis County is currently at 404.96. The state’s CTR is 319.7.
Under the Stage 4 guidelines, fully vaccinated individuals should wear masks when gathering with people outside of their household, traveling, dining, and shopping. Individuals are also urged to get a COVID-19 booster shot once eligible.
Those who are partially or unvaccinated should wear masks, avoid gatherings with people outside of their household, only travel and shop if essential, and choose takeaway or curbside options for dining. Vaccinations are also strongly recommended.
"COVID-19 hospitalizations and the community transmission rate are surging once again," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. "This means our ICUs are filling and that emergency care could become compromised for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. We must act now to protect both."
You can locate a COVID-19 vaccination provider online at Vaccines.gov, or by texting your zip code to 438829. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance.