While numbers across Texas have increased, the number of cases and hospitalizations in the county and region dropped slightly this week. However, the number of reported active cases is higher this week compared to last.

There are currently 111 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Central Texas region, down slightly from 112 reported last week. The number of daily hospitalizations on a seven-day average in our five-county area is sitting at about 17, down from closer to 23 reported last week. Click here for more details on hospitalizations.

There have been a total of 31,943 cumulative COVID-19 cases reported in Travis County. That number is up by 616 compared to this time last week, 639 the week before that, and 613 the week before that one. It's estimated there are 900 active cases in the county, which is up from 840 reported last week. For the three zip codes associated with Lakeway (78734, 78738, 78669) there have been 701 cases identified to date, which is up by 17 compared to the same time last week, and 28 comparing with the week before that one. Click here to review the COVID-19 case dashboard, which includes an interactive map to see cases by your zip code.

Travis County does continue with Stage 3 guidelines, which includes keeping gatherings to no more than 10 individuals, and wearing a proper face covering in public. Also, please continue to social/physical distance between individuals not in your household , and wash your hands regularly. Thank you for continuing to follow these guidelines during this unusual time.

The City of Lakeway is a platinum level 2020 Certified Scenic City. That is the highest level available for the Scenic City Certification Program, which is a nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind model developed to provide communities with a comprehensive set of standards and evaluations for the design and development of public roadways and spaces. A total of 19 Texas cities either earned or were recertified as a Scenic City this year. Of those, only five other Texas cities earned the platinum (or highest) level certification. There are a total of 85 certified scenic cities across Texas. The certification is in place for five years (or 2025), at which time the City of Lakeway can re-apply. Click here for more details.

TONIGHT will be a boo-tiful night in Lakeway! While Halloween is technically tomorrow, we're getting things started a little earlier here in the city. Drive Thru Boo!, a drive thru trick-or-treat special event sponsored by the City of Lakeway's Parks & Recreation Department will start at 7 p.m. this evening and run until 8:30 p.m. Expect to see some fun costumes and decorations along your three stop journey! Drive your little ghouls and goblins to your first stop at the police department, before heading over to the Activity Center, and ending your frightful trip at the spooky Liebelt Cabin next to City Hall. Be sure you and your family wear your costumes, and bring a bag to collect all your goodies! Click here for more details, including a map.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has some special tips to make sure your trick-or-treating experience is safe this holiday season. For those handing out treats, here are five important tips:

Click here for some more important tips, including tips for trick-or-treaters.

Stay safe out there this holiday season, and Happy Halloween from the City of Lakeway!