If trends continue, Austin area 'very likely' to shift to Stage 3 next week, health chief says

Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman

The Austin area's public health chief said Friday that if trends keep improving, the community could move back to Stage 3 pandemic guidelines by early next week. Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, decided to wait a few more days before loosening pandemic restrictions. Four cases of COVID-19 were confirmed among ACL attendees during the first weekend of shows, according to Walkes. The public health leader said she hopes cases will remain low if festival goers follow the rules, wear masks and keep socially distant during the event.