AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Businesses across Central Texas that had to reduce capacity limits due to high COVID-19 hospitalizations earlier this month can once again return to higher limits, state officials said Saturday.
For Trauma Service Area "O", which includes 11 counties surrounding the Austin area, Friday marked the 7th consecutive day with COVID-19 hospitalizations below the 15 percent threshold. As of Friday, according to DSHS, the area is at 12.05%.
Under Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order GA-32, if the percentage of COVID-19 hospitalizations in a given Trauma Service Area exceeds 15 percent for seven consecutive days, a number of automatic rollbacks go into effect. Likewise, once the area falls below 15 percent for seven consecutive days, the affected capacity limits automatically return to their previous level.
In addition to Travis County, TSA O includes Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, San Saba, and Williamson Counties.
In addition to the capacity rollbacks, medical providers and hospitals were prevented from performing elective surgical procedures.
"This is a clear sign that the COVID-19 situation in our region is improving," interim health authority Dr. Mark Escott said in a statement. "However, we cannot let up now. Let us be the leaders on how a community flattens a curve and keeps it flat. With less restrictions, comes more responsibility. We must continue to stay home and reduce risk to save lives."
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said on Saturday that he has already made a request to allow bars in the county to reopen at 50 percent capacity for indoor seating.