APH recommends the public to wear masks as COVID-19 cases increase

COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases popping up in Central Texas

According to the CDC, the chances of COVID-19 vaccine breakthroughs happening are low but still possible.

AUSTIN, Texas - Moving into Stage 4 of the Austin Public Health Risk-Based Guidelines is now imminent for Austin-Travis County, after surpassing 30 new hospital admissions on the 7-day moving average.

While APH officials confirm the trend before moving stages, they are urging the public to take action now by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask to help stop the rising levels of cases and hospitalizations.

"We need the community to act as if we are in Stage 4 now to help prevent the continued spread of COVID-19 variants," said Austin-Travis County Health Authority, Dr. Desmar Walkes.

"Getting the vaccine is critical to slowing the spread by not hosting new, possibly vaccine resistant, variants. Vaccinations prevent death and hospitalization, and masks help prevent the spread of disease. Adding another layer of protection is essential to protect our healthcare infrastructure," he adds.

FOX 7 Discussion: Concerns about Delta variant of COVID-19

Travis County GOP chairman Matt Mackowiak and Ed Espinoza from Progress Texas discuss growing concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19.

As of July 20, four cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in Travis County through sequencing. Cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in Travis County as the new variant spreads throughout the community.

The Delta variant is more transmissible and deadly than the original virus as it has mutated to become more effective at latching onto cells in the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there is evidence that the Delta variant spreads faster than the original virus and causes more severe illness than the original virus and causes more severe illness and hospitalization for those who are unvaccinated.

The University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium recently published projections, which noted that if the Delta variant continues to emerge and vaccine uptake continues at the current pace, then COVID-19 hospitalizations will continue to increase exponentially threatening healthcare capacity in the region, unless measures are taken to slow transmission, such as masking and taking other precautionary measures.

"We know the Delta variant is here and is running rampant in our community," Dr. Walkes added. "It will continue to cause a surge in cases and hospitalizations if we don’t come together to stop it. Do your part – wear a mask indoors and get vaccinated if you haven’t already."

While the chances are low, those who are vaccinated still risk spreading the virus to those who are unvaccinated, including to children under the age of 12 who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine.

With the new school year quickly approaching, public health officials are particularly concerned about the current rate of transmission of COVID-19 and strongly encourage all children over the age of 2 to wear a mask. Protecting children from the virus and its variants is critically important to break the chain of transmission, prevent the spread of disease and additional mutations.

"Education continues to remain a priority – we need students to be able to safely return to in-person classes in the fall," said APH Interim Director Adrienne Sturrup. "To see this safe return, and not contribute to the rise of cases, it is critical to take additional protective actions now such as masking, and for parents to vaccinate their children when they are eligible."

Health officials urge caution as COVID-19 variant continues to spread

Locally, Austin seems to be mimicking a nationwide trend, An increase in cases within the last week or so, and many are tied to the delta variant.

As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require insurance or identification. Text your zip code to 438829 (822862 for Spanish) to see where the closest vaccination sites are located to your neighborhood.

In efforts to continue expanded access to the vaccine, the APH Mobile Vaccination Program (MVP) has launched an online form that businesses and organizations can complete requesting a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic at their facility. Additionally, residents who are homebound or unable to get to a vaccination site can request the MVP team visit them at their home by calling 3-1-1 (512-974-2000) to schedule an appointment.

___
MORE HEADLINES:
Austin-Travis County moves back to Stage 3 due to Delta variant cases
Texas monitoring increase in COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 vaccines for children under 12 likely approved later this year, FDA says

___
DOWNLOAD: FOX 7 AUSTIN NEWS APP
SUBSCRIBE: Daily Newsletter | YouTube
FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter