Just as Austin’s most civically engaged citizens – including some new to the process – have gotten used to phoning in their comments on the City Council agenda, the rules are changing. In addition, Council will be considering new rules for participation once it learns what options are available. In March 2020, Gov. Greg Abbott […]
COVID-19
Posted inPublic Health
New perks just dropped for county workers who get vaccinated
The Travis County Commissioners Court passed an initiative Tuesday offering incentives to county employees who get their Covid-19 shots. The enticement takes the shape of two days of paid personal leave to all employees who can show their double-signed vaccination cards. The program will begin Sept. 1 and last for two years. Travis County Human Resources […]
Posted inPublic Health
Austin area sees jump in Covid cases as students return to classrooms
Lea esta nota en español New coronavirus cases in the Austin area have increased this week as students, teachers and staff head back to in-person classes. The city’s medical director, Dr. Desmar Walkes, told a joint meeting of Travis County commissioners and Austin City Council members that the surge was expected given the varying mask […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
City to expand federal aid for musicians, venues impacted by Covid-19
The city will provide more assistance for music venues and anyone involved in the music industry, using $4 million in federal money designated for Covid-19 relief. On Friday the Music Commission approved a recommendation for guidelines for city staff to move forward with another round of direct cash payments to musicians in Austin as well […]
Posted inAustin
EDD provides a breakdown of federal funds under its purview
While the Covid-19 pandemic has posed a host of unprecedented challenges for the city, it’s also led to an influx of federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act. A recent breakdown of these dollars shows how the portion of funds managed by the city Economic Development Department are being spent based on City Council’s […]
Posted inPublic Health
Austin and Travis County officials mandate mask-wearing in city and county property, public schools
Austin and Travis County officials are mandating people over the age of 2 wear a mask on public property, including in buildings owned by the city and county and in public schools. “Today’s order to require masks in certain places is both to support Austin ISD’s decision to protect children and the city’s duty to […]
Posted inAISD
AISD requires masks for all, despite Abbott’s order
Facing spiking Covid cases and a fast-approaching fall semester, the Austin Independent School District has made the decision to require face masks in defiance of an executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott. “I am responsible for the safety, the heath and welfare, of each and every one of our students and our staff,” Superintendent […]
Posted inPublic Health
Last time Covid cases surged, Austin opened a field hospital. Here’s why that won’t work now.
When Austin-area hospitals began admitting about 100 new Covid patients a day last January, the city of Austin did something it hoped it would never have to: It set up hospital beds in the convention center, transforming the conference space into a field hospital. “I want to be very clear: Our hope is that we never see […]
Posted inPublic Health
Austin Public Health offers vaccine incentives
Austin Public Health is offering $50 HEB gift cards to people who receive Covid-19 vaccinations at APH community vaccination sites and fill out a survey afterwards. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations require two separate shots to be effective. Those who come back for their second shot will receive a second HEB gift card worth […]
Posted inPublic Health
Austin area moves to Stage 5 risk as Covid-19 hospitalizations continue to soar
Lea esta nota en español Austin and Travis County have moved into Stage 5, the highest level of risk in the local health department’s Covid-19 guidelines. Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority, said during a news conference Thursday that this is the fastest Covid-19 surge in the pandemic so far. Patients in intensive care units […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Music Commission pushes Council to recommit to $10M aid plan for venues
The Music Commission has asked the city to hold to a May decision to provide another $10 million in federal assistance to Austin music venues, in response to recent recommendations by staff to reduce the next aid package to $4 million. At Monday’s meeting, the commission unanimously approved the resolution, referencing Council Member Vanessa Fuentes’ […]
Posted inPublic Health
As breakthrough cases rise, top doc stresses vaccine’s importance
The Travis County Commissioners Court and Austin City Council members will convene a special called meeting today amid growing concerns about the highly infectious Covid-19 Delta variant and a shortage of ICU beds. On Monday, Austin Public Health reported that Austin’s Trauma Service Area, which serves more than 2.3 million people, had just 10 staffed […]