Austin-Travis County returns to Stage 5 COVID guidelines as omicron surges

[TexasTowelie]

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health earlier this week warned that without “demonstrative behavior changes” the Austin-Travis County region would return to Stage 5 of COVID risked-based guidelines.

On Thursday morning, it happened.

The move back to Stage 5 was prompted by a dramatic increase in hospitalizations in the region as well as local positivity rate of 29%, which is higher than the state average.

Stage 5 includes the most stringent public health recommendations. Everyone, regardless is vaccination status, is urged to wear masks in public spaces.

Link to tweet

Mayor Adler | Get vaccinated!
@MayorAdler
Wear a mask.
Get vaccinated.
Get boosted.

This will keep schools and businesses open and keep people out of our already-stressed hospitals.

We must slow the spread of this virus in Austin.

http://ATXRecovers.com for assistance.
10:51 AM · Jan 6, 2022·Twitter Web App

“The omicron variant continues to spread at an alarming rate in our community. It poses a significant risk to our most vulnerable populations,” Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said earlier this week. “As schools and businesses reopen after winter break, infections are going to spike to unprecedented levels. We must act accordingly—wear well-fitting masks anytime you leave your home, get vaccinated and boosted.”

Read more: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2022/01/06/austin-travis-county-returns-to-stage-5-covid-guidelines-as-omicron-surges-