What you need to know
COVID-19 cases are persisting in Travis County. The data shows roughly 340,000 cases in the county and estimates 1,851 deaths. These numbers are cumulative since 2020.
Hospitalization rates are still low, which many doctors attribute to the vaccine, according to the release. Boosters are available and encouraged for those who are at risk, according to the news release.
“We have seen an increase in the spread of COVID-19 every summer, and it is important to get vaccinated and receive your booster dose,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, in the release.
Zooming out
May 11 marked the official end of the COVID-19 national public health emergency, but cases continue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's last predictions indicate that sublineages of the XBB variant, which initially caused infections last winter, are spreading throughout the nation.
The current vaccine still provides protection against the existing variants and subvariants. Updated vaccines are expected in the fall, according to the CDC.
Quote of note
“Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to be identified, especially in areas where people gather. As we prepare for children to return to school, getting vaccinated is as important as ever to protect yourself and others,” APH Director Adrienne Sturrup said. “If you feel sick, test.”
