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Gov. Greg Abbott hits pause on economic reopening as COVID-19 surges in Texas and Austin
As COVID-19 cases continue to hit all-time highs, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has paused and taken a step back on the reopening of the Texas economy.
Video by Ethan Hunt
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(Gecko Studio/Adobe)
High demand across the country has led to slower turnaround times for COVID-19 test kits.
The surge in Austin's COVID-19 cases is overwhelming the public health system trying to fight community spread.
"We can't get people tested right now," said Dr. James Marroquin, an internal medicine doctor practicing in Austin. "To me, that's a scandal."
<p>In the last week or so, Dr. Marroquin said he and his colleagues have had to ration tests, prioritizing health care workers, the elderly and immunosuppressed patients.</p><p><strong>Testing system overwhelmed<u></u><u></u></strong></p><p>Clinical labs across the country are at or nearing capacity, leading to delayed test results. <u></u><u></u></p><p>In a recent statement, American Clinical Laboratory Association President Julie Khani said: "[T]he anticipated demand for COVID-19 testing over the coming weeks will likely exceed members' testing capacities. This significant increase in demand could extend turnaround times for test results."<u></u><u></u></p><p>Quest Diagnostics, one of the country's largest private labs, said that increased demand is driving up turnaround times. Clinical Pathology Labs issued <a href="https://www.cpllabs.com/covid-19/media/2020/07/sonic-healthcare-usa-sars-cov-2-covid-19-media-statement" target="_blank">a similar statement</a> Thursday, and CVS Pharmacy <a href="https://twitter.com/cvspharmacy/status/1279060318518497280" target="_blank">tweeted on Friday</a> that patients may experience delays when seeking COVID-19 testing because of high demand.<u></u><u></u></p><p>Tom Banning, CEO of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, said that larger facilities may not have the same issues with testing as smaller practices. But everyone is struggling with delayed results.<u></u><u></u></p><p>"I would say it's a system issue," Banning said. "We didn't design our lab system to do mass COVID testing."<u></u><u></u></p><p><strong>Many patients recovered before they get results<u></u><u></u></strong></p><p>Widespread testing helps contain spread of the virus when people who test positive self-isolate, and when contact tracing efforts can warn anyone they've been in contact with.<u></u><u></u></p><p>But now, by the time patients receive their test results, they may no longer be contagious or able to prevent spreading the disease to others. "If it's too long of a turnaround, it really loses its value," Dr. Marroquin said.</p><p><strong>You may never know you had it</strong></p><p>Many COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, or patients experience minimal symptoms. But current patients having more severe symptoms that match the COVID-19 profile may not be able to be tested in a timely manner.<u></u><u></u></p><p>"To me that's maybe a little more reason to just be extra careful," Dr. Marroquin said, "because if you do get symptoms you might not even be able to know if you have it."<u></u><u></u></p>
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(Austin Public Health)
Travis County has seen its COVID-19 fatality rate—defined as the reported deaths per confirmed cases—drop since late April.
The mortality rate for COVID-19 patients—defined as reported deaths per confirmed cases—in Austin has dropped from 3.6% at the end of April to 1.8% on June 22, a decrease that the city attributes both to better treatments and to a rising number of cases among young people, who are more likely to recover.
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="642513e0cba2a0a724bf7798a434ff39" id="b7efc"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1275479340915068928"><div style="margin:1em 0">Over 70% of our new cases since June 8th have been in the 20-39 age group. The same age group is experiencing incre… https://t.co/BKxt08YQ8E</div> — Dr. Mark E. Escott (@Dr. Mark E. Escott)<a href="https://twitter.com/MeaEscott/statuses/1275479340915068928">1592932946.0</a></blockquote></div><p>A city spokesperson added that fatality lag behind positive tests, so the rate may change as it catches up with the increased number of recent cases. "These numbers will not rise in unison," the spokesperson said.</p><p>Mortality <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/austin-covid-deaths" target="_blank">varies widely by age</a>—for example, between March and April, while the overall COVID-19 death rate was 3.6%, among nursing home residents it was 22.5%. </p><p>As of Tuesday evening, 93 of the 112 deaths from COVID-19 in Travis County—or 83%—were among people over 60.</p>
<p>Dr. Escott has often referred to research out of the University of Texas at Austin that suggests the total caseload in Austin is seven to eight times the number of confirmed cases. "If that infection rate is true, then our infection fatality rate drops from 1.7% overall to about 0.2-0.3%," he said during the June 3 Q&A.</p>
Travis County COVID-19 mortality by age
<div class="flourish-embed flourish-chart" data-src="visualisation/2950699" data-url="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/2950699/embed"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div><p>Austin Public Health began offering its free service to residents regardless of symptoms on June 5, following mass protests against police brutality, and many residents have taken advantage of the opportunity.</p><p>Between June 15-21, more than 3,000 people were tested by APH, up from 2,400 the week prior.</p><p>More testing means the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is closer to the actual number—and the death toll is proportionally smaller.</p><p>Dr. DeVry Anderson, chief medical officer of St. David's South Austin Medical Center, said the falling mortality rate is also due to <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/austin-coronavirus-hospitals/higher-exposure-for-health-care-workers" target="_self"><u>better treatment options</u></a> for COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized.</p><p><span></span>These treatments include:</p><ul><li>convalescent plasma therapy</li><li>the antiviral drug remdesivir</li><li>improved ventilator management</li></ul><p>Another development is that doctors are more familiar with how to treat COVID-19 patients than they were in early March.</p><p>"Having physicians and staff that have gotten, not comfortable, but now understand how to treat and care for these patients, I think it's seamless in the way we transition those [patients] to higher levels of care," Dr. Anderson said.</p>Travis County COVID-19 mortality by race
<div class="flourish-embed flourish-chart" data-src="visualisation/2950719" data-url="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/2950719/embed"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div><p>Deaths also vary by race and ethnicity, with a larger proportion of Black and Hispanic residents who contract COVID-19 dying from it.</p>Travis County COVID-19 mortality by ethnicity
<div class="flourish-embed flourish-chart" data-src="visualisation/2950729" data-url="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/2950729/embed"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div>From Your Site Articles
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(HodgePodge Media)
With an endless number of podcasts out there, how does anyone decide what to listen to? Start with the homegrown. We've put together this list of 12 local—or nearly local—podcasts you won't want to miss.
1. Unlocking Us
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDM4My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNDkzOTM1N30.3xEnbcoP0NwHefMYM23qjIWD8VtvPjr_Fz2MLjywKC4/img.jpg?width=980" id="5f574" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="903326811ac81f4d7bfacabcae35698f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Native Texan and <a href="https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/News/Brene-Brown" target="_blank">visiting McComb's professor</a> Brené Brown, known to some as <a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/pandemic-turned-brene-brown-americas-therapist/" target="_blank">America's therapist</a>, talks weekly with celebrities, authors and thinkers on topics ranging from books and movies to current events and big themes of the moment.</p>2. Everyday Superhumans
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzM5NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNjg4NDM4Nn0.6b10VPJHPcNyV5LefhCELCdAMkX5DS91ySu2oghK9tE/img.jpg?width=980" id="67efb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d5d903536a23d8e2f4df59ca5d47e817" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>This podcast covers Austin's local do-gooders and non-profits. Faith in humanity restored! </p>3. Nightlight
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIzNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTUyODM0MH0.QIFTjps01WqKWmQ8EzKerdBOZyLrN5UPzUnu2WA6EAk/img.png?width=980" id="27d1b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f1fda83b01ae4b122c6addd833981d95" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Nightlight is a horror podcast that features fiction stories about murders, monsters and more. </p>4. Austin Anthem Podcast
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzA0OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjEzOTUyNn0.25G8WFOnqDI8uJgQaH19x8NccvGNVX0emZeQ_p_lgW4/img.jpg?width=980" id="868e7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3f2a19562ce92b69b8767d6c75ed27b6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Hosted by a group of supporters, Austin Anthem Podcast is the longest-running podcast about Austin FC, Austin's new and only Major League Soccer team. </p>5. In Black America
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzE2OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDk0MzE2M30.Y2TSVgkqC3YC-wq11JqInKG5izbM2Gq5G75iUp5ANIY/img.jpg?width=980" id="e94da" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="03d9ba86152b856c9bdf132d03cf55ac" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p><a href="https://www.kut.org/people/john-l-hanson-jr" target="_blank">John Hanson Jr.</a> hosts and produces In Black America, where he interviews civil rights leaders, educators, athletes and more on the black experience in America. </p>6. Media Monday Show!
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIwMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjgwMDE4Nn0.TovUYdom4UpufhyXI22Noqs3W4yxVkV-xtIZIgw_KIE/img.png?width=980" id="4ead9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="75dae40ef49773da79dd2042cc844855" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p><a href="https://www.mediaatx.org" target="_blank">Media ATX</a> founders Tom Cheredar and Josh Rubin talk about local Austin media industry news in the Media Monday Show!</p>7. The Forward
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzE2NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU5NTc0NDg1M30.aBf8XZ3KPC0TXGMs6jdVhQBLlGgstUeU3szzrLyh2Iw/img.jpg?width=980" id="d2145" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="23d9a5a8fdfdeb51d35dba7e40251920" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Lance Armstrong hosts <a href="https://wedu.team/the-forward" target="_blank">The Forward</a>, where he interviews a range of personalities on sports, politics, entertainment and more. </p>8. Quaranteen'd
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIyNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwMzIwODIwNn0.MEH5P3otQzI88MLK20g9XlPKBKuV8AEKhUFTea6sIE0/img.png?width=980" id="9b27e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4316714bba26a77c9db43995c49d9ea8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>With a cast of kids and seasoned actors, <a href="https://austonia.com/media/austins-hodgepodge-media-rethinks-its-startup-plan-with-quaranteend/particle-1" target="_blank">Quaranteen'd is a virtual, all-ages audio treasure hunt</a>.</p>9. The Beerists
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzIzMC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjgwNjE3MX0.sBvYrEUg8pgtFSg_00gA_vq0xt47DVogKLVAxeBtOQ0/img.png?width=980" id="636a1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e8f93c8b7cb8c12db9d026389f695000" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>The Beerists is produced by a group of beer-lovers in Austin who meet up weekly to judge five different beers from around the world. </p>10. The Night Owl Podcast
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzI0MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTc3NzIxOX0.3EZmg_YTJijBEUszdHRll50ooc7uSaidfHxHB8-zUkw/img.png?width=980" id="cc7a9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3620fefc29f0fc10699fd553349a8281" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>The Night Owl Podcast features true stories of hauntings, mysteries and paranormal activities. </p>11. Gender Fluids
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzI2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDU0OTI3OH0.9Hj8E08RONQ1zmBTflwMkWHV8CT3mVehctoW57J6YFk/img.jpg?width=980" id="3da8b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9595bb0964c768c81813ec0b49e897e8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Hosted by comedians Austin Smartt and Arielle Norman, Gender Fluids dives into the depths of gender and sexuality. </p>12. Tumble
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzMzQxOC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzcxMjUzNn0.14CxyVBxASxPaPP2uJhgMd8Qnk-kTjd60lCMmDc7ODs/img.png?width=980" id="461df" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2f849ce272b553a045e27c73dd2bacb5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p><a href="http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com" target="_blank">Tumble</a> is a kids podcast all about science and new discoveries. </p>From Your Site Articles
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(Mike Mareen/Adobe)
Texas is the home of the pickup truck—roughly one in five sold in the U.S. is bought here. But the next model to be made here may be one unlike any seen before.
<p>If Tesla<a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_blank"> decides to bring its next factory to Austin</a>, the unique-looking Cybertruck would be one of two models produced, and the electric carmaker is pitching it as a natural fit.</p><p>"I think you guys will really enjoy it down in Texas," Rohan Patel, Tesla's director of public policy and business development,<a href="https://austonia.com/tesla-austin-travis-county" target="_blank"> told Travis County commissioners</a>.</p>
<p><br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7aa20cbf8012ec63296a27b5a119aca0" id="17600"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1197753752343601153"><div style="margin:1em 0">I don't understand what the fuss is about the Tesla #Cybertruck. It looks ok to me. https://t.co/8vBl1jS74T</div> — dave appleby (@dave appleby)<a href="https://twitter.com/dave_apple/statuses/1197753752343601153">1574401722.0</a></blockquote></div><p>But others are enamored with the vehicle.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2c810e9750b21937a19c592f395de9f" id="72c20"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1277088627869102081"><div style="margin:1em 0">First, I thought it was a joke, then I thought it was ugly, then I thought it was interesting, then I was obsessed… https://t.co/3SINCp1fhd</div> — Michael Fink (@Michael Fink)<a href="https://twitter.com/Michael01996367/statuses/1277088627869102081">1593316630.0</a></blockquote></div><p>A Cybertruck recently went on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="28a084d5a63e1fd61f24aab9922c028c" id="39a7a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1275193216560558080"><div style="margin:1em 0">We are honored to have @mayemusk and @ToscaMusk, and @drsabrinakay visit the @Tesla #Cybertruck during our reopenin… https://t.co/0qeawgWMaL</div> — Petersen Museum (@Petersen Museum)<a href="https://twitter.com/Petersen_Museum/statuses/1275193216560558080">1592864729.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The proposed factory would also produce the company's Model Y, a midsize SUV, for East Coast markets, Musk tweeted on March 10.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="29f56ee0a49f58a4d2d0bad93ba84db9" id="3cf7b"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1237531699681980416"><div style="margin:1em 0">Scouting locations for Cybertruck Gigafactory. Will be central USA.</div> — Elon Musk (@Elon Musk)<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/statuses/1237531699681980416">1583885524.0</a></blockquote></div><p>If approved by DVISD and Travis County commissioners, construction could begin on the factory as soon as this fall. </p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQzNDI4Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTMzODY5Mn0.-5Snhb_fWi526Vh_507S9PGREauJQXK4XlP6R0AgH5c/img.jpg?width=1200&coordinates=193%2C17%2C8%2C283&height=800" id="379ef" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5b6560089fb2b8cbbfc7a5809394af52" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cybertruck interior" /><p style="margin-left: 380px;" class="caption"><em>(<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/mrlewaynee" target="_blank">mrlewaynee</a>/<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20191121-tesla-cybertruck-driving-seat.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia</a> via <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>)</em></p><p>Both the Del Valle ISD school board and <a href="https://austonia.com/technology/tesla-factory-texas" target="_self"><u>Travis County Commissioners Court</u></a> are considering tax breaks for Tesla, which has proposed the<a href="https://austonia.com/technology/elon-musk-tesla" target="_self"><u> $1.1 billion "Gigafactory"</u></a> for a site in Southeast Austin and plans to hire 5,000 people to work there.<br></p>
Cybertruck
<p>The vehicle features "a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton" made of stainless steel, "vault-like storage" and an "ability to pull near infinite mass," according to the company's website.<br></p><p>Now available for preorder, production of the Cybertruck is expected to begin in late 2022. The price ranges from $39,900 to $69,900, depending on the motor type, with a self-driving add-on available for $8,000.</p><p>When Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Cybertruck on Nov. 21 at an event in Los Angeles, it prompted much feedback on its design.</p>From Your Site Articles
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Austin Mayor Steve Adler issued a "Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe" order, effective from noon today until Aug. 15, requiring all individuals to wear masks and social distance. The order prohibits outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c43bf0974d06564964b5c8767a62f265" id="0d129"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1279066546036498438"><div style="margin:1em 0">New local order for Austin, effective at 12pm today, takes FULL advantage of new tools in the Governor’s latest ord… https://t.co/J3N3XB9xNs</div> — Mayor Adler | 😷wear a mask. (@Mayor Adler | 😷wear a mask.)<a href="https://twitter.com/MayorAdler/statuses/1279066546036498438">1593788203.0</a></blockquote></div><p>"It is now on each of us to do our part for our communities & for our loved ones especially this HOLIDAY weekend," Adler tweeted Friday morning.<br/></p><p>The mandate arrives after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/masks" target="_blank">announced yesterday</a> a new executive order requiring most Texans to wear masks and granting local officials the right to prohibit certain outdoor gatherings. </p><p><strong>The order requires Austin residents to:</strong> </p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Wear face coverings that fit snugly over their nose and mouth, with limited exceptions</li><li>Practice social distancing except in the presence of members of their own household </li><li>Isolate, along with members of their household, in case they have tested positive or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test <strong></strong></li></ul><p><strong>It also recommends:</strong></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Austinites avoid social gatherings of any size, especially if they are a member of a high-risk group, and stay home except to conduct essential activities </li><li>Reopened businesses keep an activity log with contact information for all inside or sit-down customers and operate at a lower capacity than allowed</li></ul><p>Violators may be fined up to $250. </p><p>Travis County will also "actively enforce" the governor's order, Public Information Officer Hector Nieto said in a July 2 statement.</p><p>Travis County reported 571 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 71 new COVID-19 hospital admissions on Thursday evening. </p>
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Governor Abbott Implements Face Covering Requirement To Slow The Spread Of COVID-19
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday requiring all Texans to wear masks "over the nose and mouth" in public spaces. It applies to counties with at least 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases and reverses the governor's previous policies.
<p>"If Texans commit to wearing face coverings in public spaces and follow the best health and safety practices, we can both slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Texas open for business," Abbott said in a statement. </p><p>Repeat offenders, after receiving a verbal or written warning for violating the mask requirement, may be fined up to $250. Local law enforcement and other local officials "can and should enforce" the mandate, according to <a href="https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/EO-GA-29-use-of-face-coverings-during-COVID-19-IMAGE-07-02-2020.pdf" target="_blank">the order</a>. </p><p>The governor also granted mayors and county judges the ability to prohibit outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.</p><p>Texas reportedly <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html" target="_blank">ranks sixth among states </a>with the most rapid increase in cases per capita. Travis County surpassed 10,000 cases yesterday and<a href="https://austonia.com/july-4-austin-covid" target="_blank"> is preparing the Austin Convention Center </a>as a field hospital in case area hospitals are overwhelmed.</p>
Exceptions
<p>The governor's order provides some exceptions to the mask mandate, including:</p><ul><li>People who are under 10 years old or have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.</li><li>While eating, exercising outside, swimming, voting or driving alone or with a member of the same household.</li></ul><div>See a full list of the exceptions <a href="https://open.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/EO-GA-29-use-of-face-coverings-during-COVID-19-IMAGE-07-02-2020.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>A reversal
<p>This order represents a reversal for Abbott, who previously refused local jurisdictions the right to mandate masks and limit gatherings despite repeated pleas that he do so.</p><p>Earlier this week, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/austin-surge-" target="_self">sent Abbott a letter</a> asking the state to enforce mandatory masking, prohibit social gatherings of more than 10 people, roll back business occupancy and allow local officials to issue stay-home orders as needed.</p><p>"In summary, the rapid increase in cases has outstripped our ability to track, measure and mitigate the spread of disease," he wrote.</p><p>Austin Mayor Steve Adler, along with the mayors of eight other large Texas cities, also sent Abbott a letter, <a href="https://austonia.com/Coronavirus/texas-face-masks" target="_self">on June 16</a>, asking for the authority to impose a mask requirement.</p><p>The next day, Abbott allowed local jurisdictions to require businesses to mandate masks among employees and customers.</p><p><em>This story is developing and has been updated.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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(Austonia reader poll)
The coronavirus pandemic has altered or canceled summer plans for many. We asked you earlier this week, "What are your travel plans this summer?" The majority voted "staying home."
<p>Of the readers who responded, 45% said they were "staying home" to be safe and have a "staycation," as one person wrote.</p><p><strong>"Due to the recent resurgence of cases and lack of leadership by anyone, anywhere, it seems the safest thing to do for ourselves and our extended family is to stay put,"</strong><strong> one reader said.</strong> </p><p>At 29%, "driving somewhere" was the second-most selected choice. Readers said their plans included road-tripping to different states across the country, including Colorado, New Mexico and Vermont.</p><p><strong>One reader wrote, "Driving to Aspen, CO with family for change in scenery—and weather—for the month of August. One of the benefits of working remotely is that you can do it anywhere."</strong></p><p>"Flying somewhere" was the answer from 18% of readers. Some are also going to Colorado and other states, but choosing to fly. </p><p><strong>A reader who commented said: "Flying to our Colorado house. Leaving the silly city mayor, local politics and heat behind."</strong></p><p>Lastly, at 7%, there are those who are unsure of what this summer holds for them with the current state of the pandemic.</p><p><strong>"Planned a trip to Colorado in August, but with a second wave, it may not happen now out of concern for safety," a reader stated.</strong> </p><p><em>Want to participate in future polls? Weekly polls will now only be accessible in Austonia's newsletter with instant results. Sign up at the top of our site before the next poll on Tuesday. </em><br/></p>
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