Austin Public Health provides COVID-19 update to Travis County Commissioners Court

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health provided a COVID-19 update to the Travis County Commissioners Court. 

Dr. Mark Escott addresses the commissioners and talks about the latest numbers as well as measures and actions related to the coronavirus.

One of the main subjects Dr. Escott addressed was his recommendation on what to do about school in the fall. 

Dr. Escott said that he recommends delaying the start of school or offering virtual-only instruction until at least September 8. He also noted that schools should look at considering the default position of virtual instruction for the entire duration of the fall semester.

The meeting comes as the Austin City Council recently unanimously passed two measures that will enforce COVID-19 health and safety precautions the number of cases continues to grow.

Businesses can face a civil penalty, including going to court, for violating any health authority rule. An individual can get hit with up to a $2,000 fine for violating an order. An example would be not wearing a face-covering in a business.

The enforcement measures come as city leaders try to mull over the thought of moving to stage five restrictions. UT models show the virus has been spreading more slowly, however, Austin should not let its guard down.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler had been floating the idea of a possible 35-day shutdown as well but Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that Mayor Adler should stay away from the idea of another shutdown and focus on enforcing rules that are currently in place. 

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