The City of Austin and Travis County will utilize the Warn Central Texas system today in response to a severely worsening COVID-19 situation in our community.

The message will implore the public to wear a mask, get vaccinated, and stay home if possible, to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in Austin.

“The situation is critical,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Our hospitals are severely stressed and there is little we can do to alleviate their burden with the surging cases. The public has to act now and help our we will face a catastrophe in our community that could have been avoided.”

The message will be sent around noon today, Aug. 7 via text message, phone call, and email through the Warn Central Texas emergency notification system - the regional notification system that is used to alert the public of emergencies in the community and how they can stay safe.

Today’s message follows the City and County elevating the COVID-19 risk level to stage 5, the highest level earlier this week.

“Hospital bed availability and critical care is extremely limited in our hospital systems, not just for COVID-19 patients, but for anyone who may need treatment,” said Dr. Walkes. “The community has to come together again and stave off disaster.”

For more information on COVID-19, vaccinations, and testing visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19 or call 3-1-1 (512-974-2000).