COVID-19 Update: Local Cases & More Restrictions In Place
Austin Public Health has posted a statement regarding the large gathering in the area this past weekend of 300 teenagers, where some in attendance had taken a COVID-19 test beforehand, and have now come back positive. In the statement, Austin Public Health said, "Since we are in a period of significant community spread, our entire community should act as if they have been exposed and take the proper precautions to further prevent spread." If you think a family member or individual attended this gathering, contact your physician and self-isolate immediately. Click here for additional details and testing options.

With the positivity rate now above 10%, this morning, Governor Abbott released a new Order in response to COVID-19, which now closes bars starting at noon today. Additionally, rafting and tubing businesses must close. On Monday, restaurants must limit capacity from 75% back to 50%. Click here to read the new Order just released.

Earlier this week, businesses were required by County Order to implement a health and safety plan, which, at a minimum, now requires the use of face coverings in commercial properties providing goods and services. The updated Order is in effect through August 15. Additionally, Travis County posted an Order yesterday evening prohibiting gatherings of more than 100 individuals effective starting today. Click here to read that updated Order.

The Governor and Travis County health officials addressed the rise in cases and hospitalizations this week. Austin Public Health noted that there are now an average of close to 40 hospital admissions on a seven-day rolling average (up from closer to 20 a few weeks back). Travis County is still in Stage 4 of the risk-based guidelines, which includes encouraging those age 65 and older, and those with conditions like heart disease and diabetes to remain home unless otherwise necessary, and don't gather in groups of more than two individuals. Others should gather in groups of no more than 10, while maintaining the proper social/physical distancing guidelines, and wearing a face covering when around others. There are currently 293 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in a five-county area, with 1,500 hospital beds (including those already in use) for COVID-19 patients. Austin Public Health officials indicated in a call this week that new data suggests if the current trajectory continues, hospital capacity could be reached by the middle of July.

Following the news this week, Governor Abbott issued a new Order yesterday (taking effect today) directing hospitals in four counties in Texas, including Travis County, to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not medically necessary to diagnose or correct a serious medical condition. If you have a surgery scheduled that might be impacted by this Order, please call your medical facility to ask whether it will need to be postponed. If you have an emergency medical issue, you should still seek treatment. Continue to call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency.

This past Saturday Travis County recorded the highest number of cases of COVID-19 in a single day, at 506 county-wide. There have been a total of 7,097 cases in Travis County. That number is up by 2,106 compared to this same time last week ( please note: this weekly tally may be slightly higher due to carry-over from a lack of reporting on June 18, 2020 during a data conversion ), 753 the week before that ( please note: this tally is missing a day's worth of data from the conversion ) and 676 the week before that one. Click here for more details and to view the tracking tool, which includes an interactive map to see cases by your zip code.

Please continue to wash your hands regularly, practice physical/social distancing, and while it's not mandatory to wear face coverings (except now for certain businesses), it's strongly encouraged in public. Thank you for helping keep our community safe during this difficult and unusual time.




Recycle The Right Way
Recycling reduces waste that can not only harm the environment today, but could also cause problems for future generations. There are several reasons why recycling is important to the health of our planet. But, it's important to know what you should and should not be throwing in your recycle bin at home. While newspapers, glass bottles and aluminum cans are recyclable, items like garden hoses, tires, dishes, aerosol cans, plastic bags, Styrofoam cups, batteries, juice boxes and pizza boxes are not.

By reviewing this guide , you can play a big part in ensuring that our recycling process is a smooth and successful one. You can also find information on recycling services with the City of Lakeway by visiting our Solid Waste Management page or by calling 512-314-7514.
Lucky Gets A Home
Earlier this week, Lakeway Police and the Pedernales Fire Department assisted in the rescue of a mischievous kitten who happened to get his head stuck through a small hole on the side of a water truck at a construction site in the Rough Hollow area. After a few hours, Lakeway Veterinary Clinic was able to help free the little guy. Posts on the Lakeway Police Department Facebook page named him "Lucky." Well, we're happy to report that Lucky now has a new home with the water truck operator who first spotted the little fella. His new family is now caring for the fur ball, hopefully with limited small areas for the little guy to get in another sticky situation. Congrats to one Lucky kitty!

Click here to see some more pictures from Lucky's rescue.

NEW: Air Quality Alert

Air quality levels are expected to worsen over the weekend, with some levels elevating to 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' on Saturday thanks to an unusual event. Dust from the Sahara Desert in Africa has now made it's way to Texas. While the event is not new, it's expected to be the largest in 50 years. The dust could aggravate those suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma and COPD. Be sure to remain indoors as much as possible, and wear a proper face covering when leaving your home. While the dust can be a nuisance, the particular kind can also make for beautiful skies, so keep your eyes peeled at sunset and when the sun rises in the morning for a potentially vivid color display. Click here to track future air quality readings.
NEW: New Voting Location

As elections near, it's important to know where your polling locations are. There are typically two known most often in the Lakeway area, including the Lakeway Activity Center and Randall's location. The Randall's location has changed for the upcoming July 14 runoff primary election for Texas State Senate District No. 14. The new location will be Hudson Bend Middle School along with the Activity Center, so please make sure to verify these locations before heading out to vote this year. Early voting starts Monday. Hudson Bend Middle School is the early voting location for Lakeway. Click here for information on upcoming elections. Click here for details on polling locations for early voting and election day.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY: On June 25, 1950 The Korean War begins as North Korea invades South Korea. The war soon evolved into an international conflict and a proxy war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, leading to fears of a new World War. It ended in 1953 by an armistice, though a peace treaty was never signed. The Korean War was among the most destructive conflicts of the modern era, with approximately 3 million war fatalities and a larger proportional civilian death toll than World War II or the Vietnam War. According to our Archivist, 221 past and present Lakeway residents served in the Korean War, and are memorialized at the Freedom of Spirit Monument in Heritage Park here in Lakeway. Of those, 22 also served in World War II and the Vietnam War. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII.
For the latest updates, please visit our website: LAKEWAY-TX.GOV
Questions or comments? Don't hesitate to email us: [email protected]