AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) continues to monitor the presence of COVID-19 in the community. A leading indicator of the virus, wastewater data shows it is present and has increased over the past six weeks, but remains below the nationwide wastewater averages for COVID-19.

While May 11, 2023, marked the end of the COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency, cases continue to persist in Travis County. Hospitalizations remain low, which experts attribute to vaccines. Boosters are encouraged to protect those who are high-risk.

“We have seen an increase in the spread of COVID-19 every summer, and it is important to get vaccinated and receive your booster dose,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “ Ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain the same - maintaining healthy habits like frequent hand washing, covering your cough, staying home and testing when you are sick.”

Vaccines & Variants
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest projections indicate that sublineages of the XBB variant, which initially caused infections last winter, are now spreading throughout the nation.

The current vaccine still provides protection against the existing variants and subvariants. Updated vaccines are expected in the fall, according to the CDC.

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available throughout the community at doctor’s offices, pharmacies and other providers. Visit vaccines.gov (vacunas.gov in Spanish) to find COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.

“Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to be identified, especially in areas where people gather. As we prepare for children to return to school, getting vaccinated is as important as ever to protect yourself and others,” said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. “If you feel sick, test.”