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Austin-area hospitals have seen an increase in admissions. (Travis County COVID-19 dashboard)
Amid what he called a "massive outbreak" of new COVID-19 cases. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order suspending elective surgeries at hospitals in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties.
"These four counties have experienced significant increases in people being hospitalized due to COVID-19 and today's action is a precautionary step to ensure that the hospitals in these counties continue to have ample supply of available beds to treat COVID-19 patients," Abbott said in a statement issued this morning.
All hospitals in these areas are directed to postpone surgeries and procedures that are not immediately medically necessary.
Abbott implemented the same order earlier in the pandemic, which freed up hospital capacity but also led to a sharp drop in revenue for providers and 1,200 layoffs at Baylor Scott & White Health.
Austin's hospital capacity
Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said Travis County could see its caseload double in the next 18 days and area hospital capacity overwhelmed by mid-July at a virtual press conference yesterday.
Unless the rising curve of COVID cases is not flattened soon, Dr. Escott said he would have to recommend a second shutdown to local elected officials.
Austin's three major hospital systems—Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. David's HealthCare—issued a joint statement Wednesday, before the governor's order.
The three hospital systems have 2,470 staffed beds, 71% of which were occupied as of Wednesday night; together they also have 483 ICU beds, 70% of which were occupied.
The surge plan
The systems can increase their total bed capacity to 3,250 beds, but "it would require staffing that exceeds what we typically have available for daily operations," per the statement.
The city released a three-stage surge plan in early April, which includes establishing additional hospital beds.
Although the city has not identified where field hospitals may be, local physicians said that hospitals have been planning for such a contingency for months.
"We do not want to provide care for you at the Austin Convention Center," Dr. Kirsten Nieto, an internal medicine and pediatric hospitalist at Dell Children's and Dell Seton, said at yesterday's press conference. "We want you to stay home."
Reopening
Abbott also announced Thursday that he is temporarily pausing the state's reopening.
"The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses," he said in a separate statement. "This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business."
This pause does not change any previous developments, which include allowing restaurants to increase capacity to 75% and amusement parks to reopen.
This article has been updated with the announcement about pausing the reopening process.
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(Realtor.com)
The pre-renovated backyard of the Rogan house on Lake Austin.
Austin-based podcast host Joe Rogan, recently called one of the most influential media personalities in the country, paid at least $14.4 million for the luxury lake house he's now living in on Lake Austin, according to local real estate sources and a report by Variety magazine.
<p>It is, reportedly, "one of the biggest transactions in the area's history," and rumors among real estate professionals put the sale price closer to $28 million. </p><p>Rogan's name isn't on the property tax rolls yet, but the house was sold at an undisclosed price—reported at $14.4 million but rumored up to $28 million in real-estate circles. Texas is a non-disclosure state and even appraisers aren't allowed to know selling prices. Variety reports Rogan's purchase was off market.</p><p>Rogan has one of the world's most popular podcasts. His audio-and video-podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience" draws in an estimated 200 million monthly listens and views. It is unclear if Rogan is broadcasting his podcast from his new property. He first teased <a href="https://austonia.com/joe-rogan-austin-texas" target="_self">his new Texas studio in August on social media.</a></p><p>He recently moved to Austin, where he now runs his podcast under a new, $100-million licensing deal with Spotify. His frequent episodes feature various guests—including, recently, former boxing champion Mike Tyson, Texas comic Ron White and pop singer Miley Cyrus—and cover an array of topics.</p><p>With more than 11,000 square feet on nearly four tree-lined acres, the house sits near the lake, a grassy backyard leading to the water's edge, a sundeck over the water, boat slips with a party deck, an expansive lawn and giant circle drive with detached garages. </p><p>From Variety:</p><p>"Several years ago, the stately main structure sported a distinctly early-2000s faux-Mediterranean flare that was popular amongst the well-heeled suburban Hill Country crowds back in the day. However, the property's previous owners — architectural designer <a href="https://www.benjaminwooddesigns.com/" target="_blank">Benjamin Wood</a> and his philanthropic wife <a href="http://archives.mtexpress.com/2003/03-12-17/03-12-17ymca.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Theresa Castellano-Wood</a> — recently gave the whole place an extensive makeover and it now boasts a much sleeker, Texas-inspired modern farmhouse look with just a dash of Mediterranean influence still shining through....</p><p>"Out back, there's a sprawling grassy backyard for Rogan's dog, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marshallmaerogan/?hl=en" target="_blank">Marshall Mae</a>, to frolic to his heart's content. The recent renovation added a large saltwater pool to the property, and there's a solarium plus lots of covered patio space to lazily chat with friends, safe from the oppressive heat of the Texas sun. And, of course, the estate also features the obligatory party deck — a must-have for any moneyed river rat living along the lake — and two boat slips."</p><p><a href="https://www.dirt.com/entertainers/performers/joe-rogan-house-austin-1203341096/" target="_blank">See current photos here. </a></p><p><strong>More on Joe Rogan:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/austin-businesses-behind-the-joe-rogan-studio-2647571718" target="_self">Meet the two names from Austin behind the transformation of the new Joe Rogan podcast studio</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzkxMTcwMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Nzc0OTU3NX0.lIHFEJjqDmr0u476tRotIOhL-Kd5emDPwZfoKX3J7qc/img.png?width=980" id="0608f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="60305d20ad9622f1048dd5227fdd75ab" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Meet the two names from Austin behind the transformation of the new Joe Rogan podcast studio
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(Tito's Handmade Vodka)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Tito's Handmade Vodka
- 2 oz cloudy apple juice
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 4 ginger slices, muddled
The Texas Longhorns will face off with the Texas Tech Raiders this Saturday.
On Saturday, the Longhorns will travel to Lubbock to face off against Texas Tech in the Big 12 season opener for both teams.
<p>Ranked at No. 8 on the <a href="https://austonia.com/texas-longhorns-jump-into-aps-top-10" target="_blank">Associated Press'</a> Top 25 college football rankings, the University of Texas Longhorns come off a bye week after playing UT-El Paso two weeks ago.</p><p>Quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns against a UTEP defense that was a good warm up for Ehlinger and new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. The Longhorns averaged almost 12 yards per passing attempt in their first outing, an indication that the Texas offense is rounding the corner in Ellinger's last season. Ellinger is currently a Heisman Trophy contender, the most prestigious award in college football.</p><p>The running game, led by junior Keaontay Ingram, was able to net over 200 yards in the home opener. Fans might want to also keep an eye on sophomore Roschon Johnson, who had eight touches against UTEP. The one-two punch of Ingram coupled with Ellinger's ability to run the ball is something the Raiders' defense will have to be prepared for on Saturday. </p><p>The Longhorn offense is a step up from Texas Tech's home opening opponent, Houston Baptist. While Tech was able to come out with a win, the Huskies' passing attack shredded the Raiders' secondary. </p><p>The Raider offense, led by sophomore quarterback <a href="https://texastech.com/sports/football/roster/alan-bowman/9700" target="_blank">Alan Bowman</a>, will have to keep their defense off the field. Bowman didn't see a lot of time last season, only appearing in three games before getting redshirted as a freshmen. Against HBU, Bowman threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns. The Tech running game was led by sophomore Sarodrick Thompson, who last season rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown when Tech visited Austin, a game the Longhorns won 49-24.</p><p>Longhorns fans can expect a chess match between Texas Head Coach Tom Herman and Tech's defensive minded Head Coach Matt Wells. </p><p>For the Longhorns to win their Big 12 opener, Texas will need to limit their mistakes and keep long drives going with a dynamic run game and Ehlinger's passing strategy. Saturday should be a good tune-up game for the Longhorns and a chance to see one of the more dynamic offenses in college football hit their stride.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>More on UT football:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/texas-longhorns-jump-into-aps-top-10" target="_self">Texas Longhorns jump into AP's top 10 after Saturday win</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM4MDMwOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTEwNjM0N30.LblsWBshlsB_SXQtmxqICVWRke_lhm1zlOCL5O8bG3s/img.jpg?width=980" id="a3137" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2395bf52cfcfaf93fb44d0e5137d938e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
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The November election is among us and here's what you need to know about propositions on the ballot.
In addition to voting for president, members of Congress and Austin City Council this Nov. 3., local voters will find two propositions at the bottom of their ballot with both addressing mobility issues in the city of Austin.
<p>Proposition A gives voters the chance to approve a permanent 8.75-cent increase to the city's property tax rate to help pay for <a href="https://austonia.com/project-connect-austin-election" target="_self">Project Connect</a>, a proposed $7.1 billion, 15-year overhaul of Austin's transit system, and maintain it. Austin City Council voted unanimously <a href="https://austonia.com/transportation-austin-project-connect" target="_blank">last month</a> to put the issue on the ballot. </p><p>The ballot language is below:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $0.5335 per $100 valuation in the City of Austin for the current year, a rate that is $0.0875 higher per $100 valuation than the voter-approval tax rate of the City of Austin, for the purpose of providing funds for a citywide traffic-easing rapid transit system known as Project Connect, to address traffic congestion, expand service for essential workers, reduce climate change emissions, decrease traffic fatalities, create jobs, and provide access to schools, health care, jobs and the airport; to include neighborhood supportive affordable housing investments along transit corridors and a fixed rail and bus rapid transit system, including associated road, sidewalk, bike, and street lighting improvements, park and ride hubs, on-demand neighborhood circulator shuttles, and improved access for seniors and persons with disabilities; to be operated by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, expending its funds to build, operate and maintain the fixed rail and bus rapid transit system; the additional revenue raised by the tax rate is to be dedicated by the City to an independent board to oversee and finance the acquisition, construction, equipping, and operations and maintenance of the rapid transit system by providing funds for loans and grants to develop or expand transportation within the City, and to finance the transit-supportive anti-displacement strategies related to Project Connect. Last year, the ad valorem tax rate in the City of Austin was $0.4431 per $100 valuation.</p><p>If this proposition is approved, Project Connect will add two new light rail lines, including one with service to the airport; an <a href="https://austonia.com/underground-rail-tunnel-in-austin" target="_self">underground downtown tunnel</a>; and an expanded bus service. Around 55% of the cost, or $3.85 billion, will come from local taxpayer dollars. Capital Metro, the city's transit agency, says it will ask the federal government to cover the remainder of the costs.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ed9b50865dc3f066494e909e99f05e36" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OLZM_FXO8Bw?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Project Connect massive underground rail tunnel</small>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLZM_FXO8Bw" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
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</p><p>The proposed tax rate would increase the median homeowner's city of Austin property tax bill by about 20% and the overall tax bill—which includes payments to other local taxing entities—by 4%. For the median homeowner, that means a $317 increase in his or her tax bill this year.<br/></p><p>Assuming the city's property tax rate remains the same and the median home value increases 5% each year for the next 15 years, the Project Connect tax rate increase would lead to an overall increase of $6,840 between now and 2035. Assuming those same constraints, the total tax bill for the median homeowner would amount to $173,670.92 over that same period.</p><p>Project Connect is supported by all members of City Council as well as a large coalition of elected representatives at the state level, business leaders and community organizations. You can find a list of supporters on <a href="https://www.transitnowatx.com/supporters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Transit Now website</a>, which is paid for by the Mobility for All political action committee, which supports the proposition. </p><p>Two new organizations—the Our Mobility Our Future PAC and Voices of Austin—have been vocal opponents of Project Connect, which they say is too expensive and depends on unsecured federal funding commitments. </p><p>"Austinites need to know that this isn't a bond election," Voices of Austin Executive Director said in a statement. "You can pay off a bond. This election is about a permanent tax hike." </p><p>Further down the ballot, Proposition B gives voters the chance to approve a $460 million active mobility bond, with funding going toward sidewalks, urban trails, bikeways and Vision Zero, a campaign to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. If approved, this proposition would require a 2-cent increase to the city's property tax rate, which will be phased in between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26. Austin City Council voted 9-1 to include the issue in the election, with Council Member Jimmy Flannigan opposing and Council Member Allison Alter abstaining.</p><p>The ballot language is below: </p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">The issuance of $460,000,000 in tax supported general obligation bonds and notes for planning, constructing, reconstructing, and improving sidewalks, urban trails, bikeways, bridges, roads, streets, intersections, and related utility and drainage infrastructure for the roads and streets; improving traffic signal synchronization and communications and control systems and acquiring and installing traffic signals and related technology to implement traffic safety and traffic fatality reduction strategies; and acquiring land and interests in land and property necessary to do so; and the levy of a tax sufficient to pay for the bonds and notes.</p><p>If this proposition is approved—and assuming the current tax rate remains unchanged and the media home value remains $362,631—the median homeowner would see a $72.91 increase in their annual tax bill in 2026. </p><p>Austin Outside, <a href="https://www.austinoutside.org/members" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a coalition of nonprofits and businesses</a>, pushed for Proposition B, including organizing a petition with more than 3,200 signatures in support. Council Member Paige Ellis was the chief proponent of the proposition. "This will create a better environment, fight climate change and bring us closer to the city we dream of, that we want to play in," she said last month. </p><p>Some council members, including Flannigan and Ann Kitchen, raised concerns about <a href="https://www.statesman.com/news/20200814/austin-council-oks-460m-bond-election-for-sidewalks-trails-bike-lanes-and-more" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how quickly the proposition came together</a>.</p><p>"I'm pretty uncomfortable with it," Flannigan said ahead of the vote. "Furthermore, for me, it shines a light on how great Project Connect is. The two years of work, the broad city-wide effort, the multiple town halls in every district, the fact that we're using a tax rate election which is, like I've said, the most fiscally responsible way to build major infrastructure because it doesn't just build it, it ensures its long-term maintenance. Bonds don't do that. Bonds let you build it and then you've got to hope that you've got money later to maintain it." </p><p><br/></p><p><strong>More on the election:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/austin-city-council-seats-up-for-election" target="_self">20 candidates will vie for five Austin City Council seats this November</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzk4NTI0NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NjYzMjU2N30.DYttPd1VqggT0haxFNlH11DbOnDaXOAS4mB7VYhYrVw/img.jpg?width=980" id="03909" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4279d0f18304d5e56c7549f7c9eb432b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Meet the candidates: seven upcoming Austin City Council forums to put in your calendar
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(Steven Joyner)
No city is perfect, but if we're just talking about looks, Austin—with its lush green nature spots and lakes—is pretty spectacular. Here's a look at what makes Austin the perfect place to "staycation."
<p>In the video, you'll go through Red Bud Isle, the Hill Country, Pace Bend Park, Westlake Hills, Tom Miller Dam, Zilker Park, Sahm Hill, Mueller Lake, St. Edwards University, Lady Bird Lake, Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, The Oasis, Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge, the Barton Creek greenbelt, Sculpture Falls, Roy G. Guerrero Park, Longhorn Dam and, finally, downtown. </p><p>All year round, Austin has something to offer. And even in these trying times, when people can't gather for Blues on the Greens in Zilker Park and other summer events, at least you can always catch a great sunset wherever you are in Austin.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>More on Austin:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/hotwire-ranks-austin-in-top-10-for-a-quickie-getaway" target="_self">Hotwire ranks Austin in top 10 for a 'quickie' getaway</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU2MjUyNC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2Mzk2NjQ5Mn0.i3ukg8Ew5MguYOVsBfoBd_tLR21FOJGWggXh2XBHXBo/img.png?width=980" id="285f3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4239c94e37d2e4103a6d31dc9aaaf400" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Hotwire ranks Austin in top 10 for a 'quickie' getaway
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(Photo by Maile Wilson)
Brené Brown is on to her next project, a podcast signed with Spotify.
Author and University of Texas professor Brené Brown signed a deal with Spotify for the platform rights to her new podcast "Dare to Lead," available Oct. 19.
<p>The podcast focuses on the four skill sets of courage outlined in her book by the same name. Beginning January 2021, Spotify will also become home to Brown's popular podcast, "Unlocking Us"—a conversation that unlocks the "deeply human part of who we are."</p>
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b618fc6b113c2f9bc73c6ab2ee337918" id="0f94b"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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<p>Brown states on her website that she wanted to "build a podcast home where people could continue to listen for free."<br/></p><p>The podcast acquisition is another in a long line of strategic moves by Spotify-owned Parcast Studios. Spotify recently signed a deal worth more than <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/spotify-strikes-exclusive-podcast-deal-with-joe-rogan-11589913814" target="_blank">$100 million</a> with new Austin resident<a href="https://austonia.com/new-joe-rogan-austin-podcast-studio" target="_self"> Joe Rogan</a>.</p><p>Max Cutler, founder and manager of Parcast, told the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/brene-brown-signs-exclusive-podcast-deal-with-spotify-exclusive" target="_blank">Hollywood Reporter</a> he heard Brown on an episode of "Unlocking Us" and wanted to partner with her because of her charisma and connection with her audience.</p>
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c5705337a631d81a10188c5f874c8aed" id="bf69e"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1308800116069785600"><div style="margin:1em 0">We can’t even begin to express how amazing @BreneBrown is and how excited we are to share this podcast news with ev… https://t.co/8drzOVUEQs</div> — Spotify Podcasts 🎙 (@Spotify Podcasts 🎙)<a href="https://twitter.com/spotifypodcasts/statuses/1308800116069785600">1600877238.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>Brown will also be releasing curated music playlists on the Spotify, having already taken over the "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXb3m918yXHxA?si=cdmZgtPMQbeiG7ILL9GTlg" target="_blank">Yacht Rock</a>" playlist with classics by Boz Scaggs and Kenny Loggins.<br/></p><p>Brown's 2010 TEDx talk, "The Power of Vulnerability," is considered one of the most popular of all time with more than 50 million views on the TED platform. She has published seven books, five of which are New York Times bestsellers. A UT alumna, she has gone on to be a visiting management professor in the UT McCombs School of Business since earlier this year.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>More on podcasts:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/media/austin-podcast" target="_self">12 Austin podcasts you don't want to miss</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM4MjE4Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTU0MTQwM30.jPUd2gbrwSPVySq_2P7JMPBH-kSCTtX6lSUuPULDycU/img.jpg?width=980" id="198da" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="564bfe454586b4c537b7a3d4ad3bb88a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />12 Austin podcasts you don't want to miss
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(Austonia staff)
Barton Springs pool will reopen on Saturday after being closed since late June due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barton Springs and Deep Eddy pools will reopen this Saturday on a modified schedule after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
<p>The Austin parks and recreation department announced that a limited number of its pool facilities will reopen this weekend. The other reopened pools are Springwoods in North Austin, Bartholomew in East Austin and Big Stacy in South Austin.</p>
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2021040b358f412ebbe95b83ec6b7553" id="fe2bd"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1309227729515155480"><div style="margin:1em 0">@AustinCityParks resumes modified year-round pool operations on Sat., Sep. 26. No reservations required; capacities… https://t.co/SVDzzSqd7Q</div> — Austin Parks & Rec (@Austin Parks & Rec)<a href="https://twitter.com/AustinCityParks/statuses/1309227729515155480">1600979189.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>No reservations will be required, but capacity limits will be enforced. Once a pool reaches capacity, new swimmers will only be allowed in on a one-in, one-out basis.<br/></p><p>Patrons are asked to limit their visits to two hours. </p><p>A list of the pools that are reopening can be found <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/page/pools-splash-pads#north" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>. </p><p>PARD closed both Barton Springs and Deep Eddy, along with a host of other parks facilities, <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/barton-springs-closes/particle-2" target="_self"><u>in late June</u></a> to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Previously the pools had been open on a limited, reservations-only basis. </p><p>The announcement comes after the average number of new confirmed cases each day has increased <u><a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/icu-medical-austin-2647779851/is-the-covid-situation-improving" target="_self">about 50% since Sept. 1</a>.</u> The Hospital admissions rate is declining as the majority of those cases are among the 10-29 age group.</p><p>Texas Gov. Greg Abbott <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/icu-medical-austin-2647779851/particle-28" target="_self"><u>announced last week</u></a> that, in most of the state, businesses that had been limited to 50% capacity could expand to 75% capacity. This order applies to restaurants, office buildings, libraries, museums and gyms, among other businesses. </p><p>Abbott cited the decline in new COVID cases and related hospitalizations as reason for the change. While the daily caseload has declined post-surge, Texas has reported more new COVID cases than any other state in the last two weeks, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html#states" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>according to a data analysis by the New York Times</u></a>, and more than 15,000 Texans have died from the disease. </p>
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