Active COVID-19 Cases in Austin Are Spiking Again

Austin public health officials issued a statement this morning regarding the alarming number of active cases of COVID-19 right now, and urged residents to take proactive measures if they recently attended any large gatherings.

On Nov. 4, 1,034 active cases of COVID-19 were reported, the highest caseload since mid-August. Officials say that more than half of those who tested positive through APH test sites have been adults between 20 and 39 years old.

Per the statement:

“These numbers indicate that those who recently participated in a gathering have had a higher risk of encountering someone infected with the virus. We encourage everyone who was involved in gatherings outside of their household this weekend (ex. Halloween parties) to get tested for COVID-19 this week.”

Officials also stress that anyone attending those gatherings should take precautions to make sure they are not unintentional carriers:

“Individuals who have participated in crowded gatherings are also advised to stay at home to self-isolate, and they should not visit friends or loved ones who are considered high risk for COVID-19 complications.”

Austin Public Health offers free COVID-19 testing; sign up at covid19.austintexas.gov.

Now would also be an excellent time to remind you that flu shots are strongly encouraged. While a flu shot does not protect you from COVID-19, it can keep you healthy – lessening the risk you might mistake COVID with the flu, or overtaxing our already strained health care professionals.

Austin Public Health will distribute approximately 600 flu shots at a free, drive-thru clinic this Saturday, Nov. 7, 9am-2pm at the Travis County Expo Center. The clinic has a secondary purpose – to serve as a drill for a future COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Priority at the clinic will be given to the uninsured. (If you’ve got insurance, APH suggests you use VaccineFinder.org to find a convenient location offering flu shots near you.) To reserve an appointment at Saturday’s flu shot event, call the APH Immunizations line at (512) 972-5520.