COVID-19 Information

FREE PUBLIC COVID-19 TESTING NOW AVAILABLE

Are you experiencing symptoms of COVID-19? Click the button below to use this online assessment to pre-register for FREE testing for you or a loved one. Schedule a no-cost, drive-through COVID-19 test at a local Austin Public Health facility.

Click the Take a Self-Assessment Button to Begin Registration

Answer a few questions to see if you are eligible for testing. Eligibility is determined by symptoms and individual risk factors.
If you are eligible, you can sign up for testing at a drive-through location.
You will receive confirmation of your appointment. Go to your appointment to be tested for COVID-19. Your results will be available online in 3-4 days.

Follow these links to visit the dashboard desktop version and the dashboard mobile version.

Changes to data on dashboard will be updated daily from 5:45 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Please call 3-1-1 (512-974-2000) with questions or complete this form.

To view the case count for Texas, visit Texas DSHS.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. The risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with an ongoing spread of COVID-19.

The virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Austin Public Health Response

Austin Public Health is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in coordination with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local and regional public health and healthcare agencies. APH has developed a five-phase plan to coordinate COVID-19 response activities.

Phase 1: Persons Under Monitoring
Phase 2: Persons Under Investigation (Testing in Progress)
Phase 3: Confirmed Case(s) (No Person-to-Person Spread)
Phase 4: Limited Person-to-Person Spread (Close/Household Contacts)
Phase 5: Sustained Person-to-Person Spread in the Community

Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

APH has also activated our Department Operations Center to allow for enhanced response coordination, provided symptom monitoring for residents returning to Austin/Travis County from travel abroad, and provided prevention messaging to health care professionals, businesses, schools, and the general public. Additionally, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (ATCEOC) has been activated.

Clusters

Austin Public Health is defining a cluster as three or more positive cases of COVID-19 at a single location.

As of April 26, Austin Public Health was actively investigating 12 clusters at long-term care facilities in Austin-Travis County. The cluster locations below are divided into quadrants by IH-35 and the Colorado River. The numbers will be updated weekly.

Northwest- 5 clusters
Northeast- 0 clusters
Southwest- 6 clusters
Southeast- 1 cluster

Expert Advisory Panel

An Expert Advisory Panel has been formed consisting of more than a dozen physicians from around the community. They include experts in infectious diseases, pediatrics, emergency medicine and internal medicine, as well as physicians from higher education and public schools. The panel is working on recommendations and guidance regarding mitigation and prevention strategies for mass gatherings.

City of Austin Facility Closures/State of Texas Waivers

A number of City of Austin facilities have been closed (PDF). This list will be updated as other facilities close or reopen.

The Governor of Texas has issued numerous waivers to help alleviate the impacts of COVID-19. The Office of Governor provides a list of state resources and information regarding the current waivers in place.

Control Orders and Emergency Rules

A number of control orders and emergency rules have been introduced mandating specified actions aimed at slowing the spread and reducing the impact of COVID-19.

Current Orders

Updated Order of Control Measures for Vulnerable Populations at Long-Term Care Facilities and/or Nursing Homes - April 20, 2020

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Austin) - April 13, 2020

Stay Home - Work Safe Order (Travis County) - April 13, 2020

Order of Control for Mass Gatherings and Critical Infrastructure (Austin) − March 21, 2020

Order of Control for Mass Gatherings and Critical Infrastructure (Travis County) − March 21, 2020

Order of Control for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings (Austin) - March 20, 2020

Order of Control for Bars, Restaurants, and Gatherings (Travis County) - March 20, 2020

Executive Order relating to COVID-19 Preparedness and Mitigation (Texas) − March 19, 2020

Order of Control for Bars and Restaurants (Austin) − March 17, 2020

Order of Control Measures for Healthcare Facilities (Austin) − March 13, 2020

Resolution to Ratify Declaration of Local State of Disaster (Austin) − March 12, 2020