Warn Central Texas System To Send Coronavirus Alert In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — Austin-Travis County officials on Tuesday afternoon will deploy the Warn Central Texas system to send and emergency alert to residents about bolstered rates of the coronavirus ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, officials said Tuesday.

Warn Central Texas is the regional emergency notification system used across Central Texas to alert people during emergencies or other public safety events, officials explained in an advisory. Residents receiving the alerts are among those who registered their cell phones and email addresses with Warn Central Texas to receive alerts, officials added. Landline phones are automatically opted into the system.

Officials said the message will be sent in English and Spanish in light of rising hospitalization rates across the state, including Travis County. Officials described the message as a "...critical reminder to the community that everyone must do their part to combat COVID-19."

Related story: Austin Moves To Stage 4 Coronavirus Alert Level

To that end, health officials urge residents to avoid gathering with people they don't live with during Thanksgiving. Additionally, residents are urged to practice other tactics promoting safety, including frequent handwashing, the wearing of protective face coverings when out in public and maintaining at least six feet of distance from others.

“I know we want to celebrate; I know we want to get together with our families; I know we want to do the things we normally do, but now is not the time for that,” Dr. Mark Escott, the interim Austin-Travis County health authority, said in a prepared statement. “Now is the time we have to be strong together by only gathering within our own household.”

The alert comes on the heels of the regional move to Stage 4 on the COVID-19 risk-based guidelines last week. Click here to view the chart. Additional protective measures are recommended for people at higher risk — namely those 65 or older with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, obesity or those who are otherwise immunocompromised.

In spite of soaring illness rates, officials said Austin Public Health has more than enough capacity for free COVID-19 testing. Individuals can take an assessment online and see if they need to be tested by visiting the COVID-19 Information portal of the City of Austin website. Walk-up testing is also available, with more information available at the city's COVID-19 Testing portal.

Health officials noted, however, that all Austin Public Health COVID-19 test sites will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Moreover, the Ana Lark Center test site at 1400 Tillery St. will be the only COVID-19 test site open on Friday with hours of operation between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For COVID-19 information and updates, visit the COVID-19 Information portal.

To register for alerts, visit WarnCentralTexas.org.