Austin, Texas – To accommodate for updated information regarding hospital capacity and current data, one of the primary indicators on Austin Public Health’s (APH) Risk-Based Guidelines chart has been adjusted.

The chart illustrates the key indicators for moving between risk stages. The changes were made to the “Recommended thresholds: 7-day moving average of new hospital admissions” part of the chart.

According to the hospital systems, the five-county Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has approximately 1,500 beds available to treat COVID-19 patients. Along with hospital capacity, the revisions also account for average length of hospital stay, which changes daily. Currently, the majority of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized stay in the hospital nine days or less.

Given this new information, the University of Texas modeled revised triggers for the different stages. By changing the threshold triggers, the community is able to remain in Stage 4 for a longer period of time before crossing into Stage 5. The new stage thresholds are as follows:

• Stage 1 (Green): Zero (0) new COVID-19 hospital admissions in a 7-day period
• Stage 2 (Blue): Average of less than 10 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the MSA in 7-day period
• Stage 3 (Yellow): Average of 10-39 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the MSA in a 7-day period
• Stage 4 (Orange): Average of 40-(70-123) new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the MSA in a 7-day period
• Stage 5 (Red): Average of greater than 70-123 (dependent on rate of increase)

In Stage 4, the exact hospitalization average trigger will depend on the rate of increase. A faster increase in the daily average will trigger Stage 5 risk recommendations when the number reaches the lower end of this range.

As of June 28, the 7-day moving average of new hospital admissions is 52. View the Key Indicators Dashboard here.

This was the previous stage threshold triggers:

• Stage 1 (Green): Zero (0) new COVID-19 hospital admissions in a 7-day period
• Stage 2 (Blue): Average of less than 5 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the MSA in 7-day period
• Stage 3 (Yellow): Average of 5-19 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the MSA in a 7-day period
• Stage 4 (Orange): Average of 20-70 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the MSA in a 7-day period
• Stage 5 (Red): Average of 70 or more new COVID-19 hospital admissions in the MSA in a 7-day period 

The risk stages system illustrates the regression and progress of several factors, including doubling time, healthcare capacity, and testing positivity rate on a seven-day moving average. These key indicators will inform recommendations on the tightening or loosening of restrictions on physical distancing, mass gatherings, business operations, and other safety measures in the months ahead.  

Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 4. At this stage, higher-risk individuals (those over the age of 65 and those who have chronic medical conditions) should avoid social gatherings and any gatherings greater than two people. They should also avoid all non-essential travel and avoid dining and shopping unless it is essential.

At all times and levels, APH continues to urge the community to continue:

• Practice social distancing 
• Wear fabric face coverings in public 
• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Wash hands often 
• Avoid touching your face 
• Clean commonly-touched surfaces

Dashboard Datasets

In addition to the COVID-19 Dashboards, APH has made available the following datasets available for users to download:

• Austin_MSA_Key_Indicators (Public View)Table - Updated daily
• Austin Travis County COVID19 Daily Counts (Public View) Table - Updated daily
• Austin Travis County COVID19 Case Demographics (Public View) Tables
  • Confirmed Demographics: Updated Daily
  • Death Demographics: Updated Weekly
  • Hospital Demographics: Updated Weekly
• Austin MSA COVID19 Hospital Demographics (Public View) Table -Updated weekly
• Austin / Travis County COVID-19 Policy Vs. Symptom Onset Date (Table) - Updated daily

View the datasets available here.

Public Testing Enrollment Form

APH has updated the threshold for receiving a test through its public sites. If you have symptoms, have underlying conditions or you’ve had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you are encouraged to complete the APH Public Testing Enrollment Form and schedule a test.

APH had previously reduced the testing threshold on June 5 so everyone who filled out an assessment was given the opportunity to schedule a test. Given the increased demand for testing, APH is now prioritizing testing for those who are symptomatic, in a congregate setting, employed with critical infrastructure and vulnerable populations. The APH drive-thru testing site is operational Tuesday-Saturday and the hours of testing are 9 a.m.-2 p.m., except Thursday, which is 3-8 p.m. to accommodate for evening tests.

As of June 29, 15,848 tests have been administered at APH testing sites.

For more information and updates, visit AustinTexas.gov/COVID19