AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin's COVID-19 situation continues to see dramatic improvements, with local health leaders dropping the area to Stage 2 in Austin Public Health's risk-based guidelines Friday morning.
“Let’s hope this spring marks the beginning of a brighter, healthier future,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “While we enjoy this moment, don’t forget about those who are still at risk. You can always wear a mask to protect yourself and those around you.”
It's the first time the area has been in Stage 2 since May 2021, prior to the surge in cases prompted by the delta variant of COVID-19.
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Under the Stage 2 guidelines, individuals who are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines may participate in indoor or outdoor private gatherings, dine and shop without precautions, and should travel with precautions. Those who are partially or completely unvaccinated should continue to take preventive measures, including wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing.
Despite the change to Stage 2, Austin Public Health is continuing with its recommendation that everyone continue to mask indoors, especially when social distancing is not possible, through the end of the city's spring festival season, which runs through the end of South by Southwest on March 20.
“We got vaccinated. We got boosted. Now we get to spend more time in more places with family, friends and community,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen--from our neighbors to our nurses, and the partner organizations who are still taking the extra precautions to keep our community safe. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating and supporting our local economy by grabbing a bite at your favorite local restaurant before the SXSW crowd takes over.”
According to Austin Public Health's COVID-19 dashboard, 223,897 total cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Travis County, including 200,841 PCR tests. 1,432 deaths have been recorded.
As of Thursday, 132 people were in the hospital with COVID-19 across the five county metro area, with 42 in intensive care and 26 on ventilators.
The community transmission rate, which was well above 1000 at the height of the omicron surge, has now fallen to 56.1, which the CDC classifies as substantial. The statewide average is at 103.4, which remains in the "high" criteria; nationwide, the average is 111.8.