The number of new reported cases and hospitalizations in Travis County continues to drop. There is an average of around 18 daily hospitalizations over a seven-day period in the region (compared to around 19 this time last week). There are currently 138 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in our five-county area, down from 172 last week. Click here to review the latest information on hospitalizations.

There have now been a total of 26,726 cumulative COVID-19 cases reported in Travis County. That number is up by 487 compared to this same time last week, 886 the week before that, and 1,635 the week before that one. It's estimated there are around 657 active COVID-19 positive cases in the county according to the state dashboard. For the three zip codes associated with Lakeway (78734, 78738, 78669), there have been 512 cases identified to date, which is up by 12 compared to the same time last week, and up by 24 comparing with the week before that. Click here for more details and to view the tracking tool, which includes an interactive map to see cases by your zip code.

While the news is optimistic, Travis County and Lakeway leaders are still urging residents to follow the Stage 3 guidelines as we head into the Labor Day weekend, including keeping gatherings to no more than 10 individuals and wearing a face covering in public. Mayor Cox addressed the upcoming holiday in the weekly live update yesterday afternoon. Click here to watch that video.

The 75th Anniversary of the official end to World War II was this past Wednesday, September 2. In honor of this historic day, Mayor Sandy Cox safely delivered signed certificates of appreciation to nearly a dozen living WWII veterans at their residences here in Lakeway. Included with the certificates were World War II memorial booklets by Honor Flight Austin and special 75th anniversary commemorative coins. Of the 12 living veterans, two also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. One veteran recently turned 105 (Victor Filimon; pictured left). Along with the signed certificates to those living veterans, volunteers with the ad hoc Standing Military Committee, supported by the Lohmann's Ford Chapter of the DAR also delivered nearly 40 signed certificates, booklets and coins to families of veterans in Lakeway. We thank all veterans in our local community and across the U.S. for their brave service. Click here to read more about the story.

City offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. The Labor Day holiday weekend typically indicates the closing of summer, and for many, may be celebrated a little differently this year with the ongoing pandemic. "Over the Labor Day weekend we encourage people to travel safely. Whether on the water or on the local roadways, we want people to be patient, safe and courteous to others," said Lakeway Police Chief Todd Radford. "During this time we have noticed people are more on edge than before. This can show up in our driving and our behavior. There will be increased enforcement in the Lake Travis area so slow down, do not text and drive, and please do not drink and drive. We hope everyone has a safe, fun and relaxing weekend!"

While there may be less vehicles on the roadways, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is also urging those who choose to celebrate to plan ahead for a sober ride before deciding to drink. According to TxDOT, there were 382 crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol last Labor Day holiday weekend in Texas. Those crashes unfortunately killed 12 people and seriously injured another 55 statewide. Not only can driving under the influence be dangerous, but can also be costly with fines and fees totaling as high as $17,000, along with jail time and the loss of a driver's license. Click here for more details.