AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- With Easter around the corner, Austin-area health leaders are concerned about the risk the holiday brings - especially with the area inching closer to herd immunity against COVID-19.
Dr. Mark Escott, the interim health authority for Austin and Travis County, and other officials with Austin Public Health are hopeful that the area can move to Stage 2 in April. That would mean a rolling average of new hospitalizations under 10 - as of Tuesday, the 7-day rolling average was at 18.
Officials say the Austin area could be on the verge of herd immunity - at least in adults - by the end of May, if the trends continue.
Escott said he's concerned about two events in particular that may prompt an uptick in cases, and reverse some of the progress the area has made - spring break and the upcoming Easter holiday.
"It is a time to get together with family," Escott said. "It's a time to gather together with your church community. We have to be very careful, particularly in our Hispanic communities, because it could light a fire. And I don't want that to happen. So folks that are higher risk, really need to choose a virtual option. Other folks, if they're going to gather together, go to church in person, please wear a mask. Please wash your hands. Please do those things to minimize your risk."
As far as spring break, Escott says we'll know in another 7-10 days if a spike occurred.
So far, Austin Public Health has vaccinated about 180,000 people. Officials say anyone who is currently eligible and can get the vaccine should get it wherever they can.
Monday, the Texas Department of State Health Services opened vaccine eligibility to everyone over the age of 16. Many providers are still prioritizing the higher-risk groups, particularly those over the age of 80.
