AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Public Health officials on Saturday moved the area back to Stage 3 in the agency's risk-based guidelines for COVID-19 - on the one year anniversary of the first confirmed case of the disease in Travis County.
The last time the area was in Stage 3 was November 18, 2020.
"We are seeing more people getting vaccinated as supply to our area continues to increase," APH Director Stephanie Hayden-Howard said in a statement. "Our most vulnerable are becoming protected and we are hopeful that because of this our numbers will continue to decline, but it remains important to continue all prevention measures."
Under Stage 3 of the risk-based guidelines, residents are urged to continue wearing a mask, social distancing, and practicing good hygiene. Higher-risk individuals (those over the age of 65 and those who have chronic medical conditions) should avoid non-essential dining, shopping, and travel. Everyone should continue to avoid gatherings with social groups greater than 10. Businesses and restaurants should voluntarily operate at a reduced capacity of 50-75%.
"We have been successful in decreasing the risk of transmission in our community, but the virus that causes COVID-19 is still out there, and there are variants continuing to appear," Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority, said in a statement. "Today's action represents a deliberate and measured step to relax guidance based upon the data and science. However, we must continue to mask, physically distance ourselves from others, and wash our hands frequently. If we continue with these simple measures, we will continue to experience a decline in cases and will avoid a deadly third surge."
