Omicron Rising in Austin

Amidst latest surge, one in three Austinites getting tested is positive for COVID

"...driver behind Austin's current surge, said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes during a joint briefing before Austin City Council..."

Jan. 7, 2022 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

Back-to-School Brings New COVID-19 Records

Let there be masks

"...seeing a surge in cases," said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes at a joint briefing before City Council and..."

Aug. 27, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

Vaccine or Ventilator? You Decide

As COVID-19 surges, the unvaxxed overwhelm Austin hospitals – again

"..."The science has changed," said Austin Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes in a joint briefing before the Travis County..."

Aug. 6, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

Another Fentanyl Overdose Surge Overwhelms the County

Harm reduction advocates urge access to fentanyl testing strips

"...Abraham and Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes explained that the three most commonly laced drugs..."

March 25, 2022 News Feature by Lina Fisher

No Mask, No Vax, No Entry? The Battle Between Local and State Leaders Continues.

Texas officials meddle with local COVID measures

"...more strain on hospital resources, explained Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes in a joint briefing to the Austin City..."

Aug. 20, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

COVID-19 Update: ICU Bed Availability Drops to All-Time Low

And then there were two

"...than a lack of space, explained Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes at a joint briefing on COVID before the..."

Aug. 13, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

Austin ISD Mandates Masks for Back to School

Austin joins Texas districts in defying Abbott's COVID-19 orders

"...vaccinated. In Tuesday's joint city-county briefing, Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes – who also spoke to the AISD trustees..."

Aug. 13, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

New COVID Milestones, but the Same Message: Get Vaccinated

Austin Public Health reflections on the road to herd immunity

"...Austin and Travis County's new non-interim health authority, Dr. Desmar Walkes, formerly holder of the same position in Bastrop...."

June 11, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

The State of Monkeypox in Austin

Case numbers are low, but so is vaccine supply

"...a station to swab your nose," Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said. Complicating things further, results must be sent..."

Aug. 12, 2022 News Feature by Lina Fisher

Travis County Declares an Opioid Crisis

The declaration comes with funding for harm reduction

"...county's HHS staff will work with Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes to authorize funds for broader naloxone distribution, and..."

June 3, 2022 News Feature by Lina Fisher

New COVID Orders for Businesses Now in Effect

Businesses now required to post signage explaining health prevention measures

"...in danger because of it," said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. "We must take as many precautions as possible..."

Jan. 21, 2022 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

COVID Stage 4 “Imminent” as Delta Variant Looms

Austin Public Health reports troubling increases in new cases and hospitalizations

"...being hospitalized in recent days," said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. "We're also learning that there's an increase in..."

July 23, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

Austin Officially Enters Stage 5, Highest Level of COVID Precautions

Fully vaxxed? Mask up. And if you’re not? Get vaxxed already.

"...itself in a dire situation, with Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes calling this latest surge “the fastest and most..."

Aug. 5, 2021 News Post by Beth Sullivan

Austin Reenters Stage 4 of COVID-19 Precautions

Fully vaccinated residents should mask up, urge health officials

"...hospitalizations has increased by 203%, said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes in a press conference this afternoon. In less..."

July 23, 2021 News Post by Beth Sullivan

First Xylazine-linked Overdose Deaths Reported in Travis County

Overdose reversal drugs don't work on this tranquilizer

"...to not use by themselves,” said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. She also urged people to get free Narcan..."

Aug. 30, 2023 News Post by Lina Fisher

Travis County Resident Dies From Brain Infection After Swimming in Lake LBJ

Avoid freshwater going in your nose, says Austin Public Health

"...and 2022 – but Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes cautioned, “This is an important reminder that there..."

Aug. 30, 2023 News Post by Lina Fisher

Austin Enters Stage 5 of COVID Risk Guidelines

More important than ever to mask up, urge health officials

"...its toll on our hospitals,” said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “We cannot continue to be lax when it..."

Jan. 6, 2022 News Post by Beth Sullivan

Headlines / Quote of the Week

"...Doctor, Doctor, Doctor: Effective May 31, Dr. Desmar Walkes will succeed Dr. Mark Escott as Austin Public..."

May 14, 2021 News Feature

Doggett Brings $2 Million Home From D.C. to Combat Opioid Crisis

Doggett says it’s no panacea, but it’s progress

"...on education and public information campaigns: Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes noted that overdoses occur in every demographic and..."

Jan. 17, 2023 News Post by Lina Fisher

Headlines / Quote of the Week

"...patients when combined with the flu, says Health Authority Desmar Walkes. After a steady rise in COVID hospitalizations, Travis..."

Jan. 13, 2023 News Feature

Austin Returns to Stage 4 of COVID Risk Guidelines

Amid spike in community transmission, officials urge all to mask up

"...masking, social distancing, and vaccinations,” said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes in a written statement. “However, as our vigilance..."

Dec. 29, 2021 News Post by Beth Sullivan

Headlines / Quote of the Week

"...– Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes urging Ausinites to help curb the spread of..."

Dec. 24, 2021 News Feature

Headlines / Quote of the Week

"...– Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes reminding Austinites how to celebrate the winter holiday..."

Nov. 26, 2021 News Feature

COVID: Past Delta’s Peak, A Return to Stage 3

Nearly 72% of vaccine-eligible Travis County residents are fully vaccinated

"...we need to remain committed," said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes, who encourages vigilance in masking and social distancing..."

Oct. 15, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

At Threshold of Stage Five COVID Precautions, ICU Bed Capacity Is Critically Low

Health Authority Desmar Walkes: "We are running out of time"

"...our community must act now,” said Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “Our ICU capacity is reaching a critical point..."

July 30, 2021 News Post by Beth Sullivan

COVID Hospitalizations Are on the Rise Again in Central Texas

Find out where to get vaccinated right now, free of charge

"...confirmation through sequencing that it is here,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “We know that the..."

July 15, 2021 News Post by Kimberley Jones

Headlines / Quote of the Week

"...and the nation. Former Bastrop County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes supersedes Escott...."

May 28, 2021 News Feature