Austin, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) today confirms the first death of an Austin-Travis County resident associated with COVID-19.

The patient, who was a woman over the age of 70 with significant underlying health conditions, has died. To protect the family’s privacy, no further information about the patient will be released.

“We send our most sincere condolences to the patient’s family and friends,” said Stephanie Hayden, Director of Austin Public Health. “Everyone must continue to do their part to protect our community and our loved ones.”

Death rates in the United States are highest among older populations with 80% of U.S. deaths occurring in individuals over the age of 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most positive cases in Austin-Travis County are occurring in people under 40 years old, which means a spread amongst our healthiest population will be deadliest for our at-risk population.

“We are facing a historic public health challenge,” said Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “We underscore the importance of personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this disease. Stay home except for essential activities and follow social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.”  

If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, loss of smell or taste), avoid the risk of spread at clinics and hospitals by using telehealth virtual visits or calling your health provider. Your physician will determine if there is another plausible diagnosis with similar symptoms (i.e. influenza). Individuals without insurance or established healthcare providers experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should call CommUnityCare at 512-978-8775.

Additional COVID-19 deaths and cases will be reported on the dashboard located at www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.

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