Skip to main content
Austin-Travis County is in Stage 5. View the latest COVID-19 information.

Feedback

COVID-19 Information

Last updated 08/25/2021 11:15 a.m.

On This Page

 

Austin-Travis County is currently in stage 4

Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 5. For more information, read the COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines.

 

Get Vaccinated

With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rising, unvaccinated individuals are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Check the vaccine events details in the calendar below. Travis County, Austin Public Health, and community partners host multiple vaccine distribution events throughout the County.

No appointments are required. Vaccines are free. At this time, the Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine authorized for ages 12 – 17. The consent of a parent or guardian is required for ages 12 – 17, and the parent or guardian must be present.

 

If you are having issues accessing the calendar above, please use the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge.

 

*The vaccination sites are closed to press. While vaccinations are occurring, each site is considered to be a hospital with patients and only authorized visits are allowed. Agencies listed for each location (Austin Public Health or Travis County) is the only entity that can authorize admittance.

 

Testing

If you’re feeling ill and experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested regardless of your vaccination status or prior infection.

As cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to rise steadily in the Austin metropolitan area, Austin Public Health (APH) is reopening two neighborhood testing sites: 

Dove Springs Recreation Center

St. Johns Testing Site

In-Home Testing

As of May 29, 2021, Austin Public Health neighborhood and drive-thru COVID-19 testing have ended operations. In-home testing remains available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home testing units allow medical professionals to administer tests in the patient’s home. This type of testing is ideal for anyone with mobility issues, underlying health issues, or those lacking transportation within the Austin-Travis County area. Call the Austin Public Health nurse hotline at 512-972-5560 to sign up for a home test.

Other Testing Options

Testing is also available at private sites around Travis County, including hospitals, pharmacies, and urgent care centers.

 

Volunteer

Come make a difference in our community! We can make Central Texas healthier and safer by joining together to meet our community's needs.

Click "Sign up to volunteer" below and fill out the form. We'll contact you about future volunteer opportunities.

 

Surveillance Dashboard

Austin Public Health's Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance program tracks confirmed cases and conducts detailed case investigation to determine additional details such as symptom onset and demographics. This information is compiled and displayed in this tracking digital dashboard.

Dashboard data will be updated every weekday in the early afternoon.

 

County Orders

  • May 27, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed Travis County Judge Order No. 2021-06 Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. The purpose of this updated order is not to change the time periods and conditions set forth in Order 2021-04, but to clarify the definition of when a landlord has exhausted all Rental Assistance Remedies.

    For those who continue to struggle to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they may find rental assistance at:

  • May 21, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2021-05. With this order:

    1. Travis County and Travis County facilities shall follow the recommendations and guidance  by the Austin Travis County Health Authority dated May 21, 2021, except as provided for and as authorized by law for certain entities to adopt their own rules like courts and correctional facilities (including but not limited to Travis County Jail, Travis County Correctional Complex, and Central Booking).
    2. It is recommended that:
      1. Individuals get vaccinated and encourage others to get vaccinated. This will help us reach herd immunity to benefit our entire community.
      2. Be COVID Wise – It is recommended that individuals wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Getting fully vaccinated, wearing a mask, and maintaining at least 3 feet of distance provides the highest level of protection from COVID-19 and other airborne diseases.
      3. Individuals follow the CDC guidance at home and at your place of employment.

  • February 16, 2021 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2021-02; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2021 and continuing through 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021 unless extended, modified, or terminated early by the Travis County Judge.

  • December 23, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed Judge Order 2020-23, Relating to Stage 5 COVID-19 Community Restrictions. This order is a supplement to the “Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe” County orders that were updated on Dec. 15. The orders take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2020 and will be in effect until Jan. 11, 2021.

  • December 17, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order No. 2020-22, Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order is effective immediately and continues through February 1, 2021, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.

  • December 15, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed County Judge Order 2020-21; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 and continuing through 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, February 16, 2021 unless extended, modified, or terminated early by the Travis County Judge.

  • September 30, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order No. 2020-19, Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order is effective immediately and continues through December 31, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.

    Additionally, last week, the Travis County Justices of the Peace signed an order that also addresses eviction proceedings.

  • August 14, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order 2020-16; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:00 a.m., Sunday, August 16, 2020 and continuing through 11 :59 p.m. on December 15, 2020 unless extended. This Order:

    • Extends the local disaster declaration and public health emergency for Travis County.
    • Extends prohibition of any gatherings that exceed 10 people, except as permitted by the Governor’s Proclamation and Orders.
    • Extends requirement for every person in Travis County to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space whenever not feasible to maintain six (6) feet of social distancing from persons outside one’s household.

    To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.

  • July 22, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has issued County Judge Order No. 2020-15 Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order extends the prohibition of eviction proceedings to September 30th unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.

  • July 9, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order 2020-14; Relating to the COVID-19 Community Restrictions. Effective as of 12:01 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2020 unless extended. This Order:

    • Continues the local disaster declaration and public health emergency for Travis County.
    • Prohibits any gatherings that exceed 10 people, except as permitted by the Governor’s Proclamation and Orders.
    • Requires every person in Travis County to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space whenever not feasible to maintain six (6) feet of social distancing from persons outside one’s household.

    To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.

  • June 25, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe signed County Judge Order 2020-13; Relating to the Declaration regarding COVID-19. Effective as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2020, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2020 unless extended, modified or terminated early, any outdoor gatherings that exceed 100 people are PROHIBITED except as permitted by the Governor’s Order GA-26. Individuals shall not socialize in groups of more than 10 people, unless individuals are members of the same household or residence and except to the extent permitted by the Governor’s Orders. Within any group of ten (10) people or less, individuals should, to the extent possible, wear face coverings and minimize in-person contact with others not in the individual’s household.

    To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.

  • June 18, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has signed County Judge Order 2020-12; Relating to the Declaration regarding COVID-19. Effective as of 11:59 on Thursday, June 18, 2020, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2020 unless extended, modified or terminated early, all commercial entities in Travis County that provide goods or services directly to the public must develop and implement a health and safety policy related to COVID-19. The Health and Safety Policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees and visitors to the commercial entity’s business premises or other facilities wear face coverings when in an area or performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible.

    To report commercial entities violating the County Judge’s order, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.

  • June 15, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has issued COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines and Order 2020-11.

  • June 11, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe has issued County Judge Order No. 2020-10 Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19. This order extends the prohibition of eviction proceedings to July 25th unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order

  • May 8, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt issued two orders:

    County Judge Order 2020-8: STAY HOME ORDER CONSISTENT WITH AND GUIDANCE BEYOND GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS

    County Judge Order No. 2020-9: Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19

    Both of these orders were created with the input of the Opening Central Texas for Business Task Force. See their recommendations for opening Central Texas for business.

  • April 13, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt has signed Order No. 2020-7. This order extends the previous Stay Home, Work Safe order and adds requirements for Face Coverings. The Order is effective 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2020, and will continue until 11:59 p.m. on May 8, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.

  • April 10, 2020 – Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt has issued County Judge Order No. 2020-6: Relating to Notices to Vacate, Eviction Proceedings in response to COVID-19, which is effective immediately until May 8, 2020, unless terminated or modified by a subsequent Order.

  • Updated March 24, 2020 - Order by the County Judge of Travis County

    • The newly signed order by Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt instructs Travis County residents to Stay Home and Work Safe. Health professionals have told us we have to do more to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent a strain on our hospitals and resources. While this order may be inconvenient, it is necessary for the greater good. If you have any concerns or complaints concerning the order by the County Judge related to COVID-19, please fill out our Report a Hazard/County Order Violation form.

  • March 24, 2020 - The City of Austin has issued a Public Health Order requiring individuals to remain in place at home, with exceptions for essential work and activities. When conducting an allowed activity, people must maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing. Find out What You Need to Know.

    Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-5

  • March 17, 2020 - Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-2

  • March 14, 2020 - Gatherings of 250+ People Banned to Help Tackle COVID-19. View the City of Austin's Mayor's Orders

    Travis County Judge Order No. 2020-1

 

Local News

  • May 13, 2021 - The Central Texas Counties Vaccine Collaborative announced its drive-thru vaccine clinic at the Travis County Exposition Center, located at 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724, will be open to ages 12 and up. You can find the clinic’s hours of operation here.

  • February 2, 2021 – Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Vaccs Facts is a weekly series of COVID-19 vaccine updates published by Austin Public Health.

  • January 19, 2021 – Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Vaccs Facts is a weekly series of COVID-19 vaccine updates published by Austin Public Health.

  • January 13, 2021 – Today, Austin Public Health (APH) has opened the COVID-19 online vaccine pre-registration system. The pre-registration is only for the vaccines that APH receives, not for other vaccine providers in Austin-Travis County. Individuals who have private insurance are encouraged to call their primary care provider or pharmacy first.

    APH is currently vaccinating people who meet the criteria for Phase 1A or 1B, which includes frontline healthcare workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, and individuals who are 65 years or older.

    To pre-register, visit AustinTexas.gov/COVID19-Vaccines. Individuals will then be redirected to create an account or login to an existing account and complete an assessment.

  • January 12, 2021 – Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Vaccs Facts is a weekly series of COVID-19 vaccine updates published by Austin Public Health.

  • January 5, 2021 – Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Get Vaccs Facts from Austin Public Health.

  • November 10, 2020 – Interim Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe’s Statement on Reopening Bars

  • October 30, 2020 – The Travis County Fire Marshal has issued guidelines for drive-in concerts. For the purpose of these guidelines, “drive-in concert” includes events that feature pop-up movies rather than music. This guidance does not apply to drive-in movie theaters showing movies in the traditional manner. View the Drive-in Concerts Guidelines.

  • October 14, 2020 – Today, Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe announced, based on the memo from Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott, bars in Travis County will not open at 50% capacity at this time. He will continue to reevaluate data collected and in 14 days, determine if Travis County is in a position to safely reopen bars. In the meantime, the judge encourages everyone to continue practicing safety measures to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

    Read Judge Biscoe’s full statement.

  • October 7, 2020 – Travis County Launches Nonprofit Grant Program

  • June 29, 2020 – TCTX Thrive Small Business Grant Program extends the pre-application period until July 10th and changed program guidelines to allow applications from locally owned franchises. Visit www.traviscountythrive.com for more information.

  • June 17, 2020 - Austin Travis County have established an Isolation Facility, which provides free lodging and services for those that do not have the ability to safely self-isolate due to COVID-19. Click here for more information.

  • June 15, 2020 – 2020 Travis County launches with TCTX Thrive Small Business Grant Program with partner BCL of Texas. Visit www.traviscountythrive.com for more information.

  • May 1, 2020 – Beginning on May 1, 2020 (Friday), retail stores, restaurants, places of worship, movie theaters and malls will be allowed to operate at 25% capacity. The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office has provided a business reopening guidance.

  • April 23, 2020 – Second Supplemental Guidance for the Construction Industry: This document provides additional guidance for persons and businesses associated with building and construction industries and trades on implementing best practices to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus at construction sites. As required by the Stay Home – Work Safe Order No. 2020-7 issued by the Travis County Judge, effective on April 14, 2020, Critical Infrastructure and Essential Business, including the construction industry, both residential and commercial, shall comply to the greatest extent feasible with Social Distancing and Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations as set forth in Section 1 of the Order and Exhibits B and D. This Guidance supplements the Construction Industry Guidance published by Travis County on April 2, 2020.

  • April 21, 2020 - In order to aid and inform owners of small businesses, ChamberOfComerce.org has compiled this comprehensive guide to coronavirus issues and solutions. https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/coronavirus-small-business-guide

  • April 6, 2020 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing fabric face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Our community owes it to the people who continue to work in Critical Infrastructure and Essential Businesses, to protect them by adhering to these practices. Learn more about the County Face Covering Guidance.

  • April 2, 2020 – Construction Guidance (en Español): This document provides additional guidance for persons and business associated with the building and construction industries and trades on the meaning and application of Order 2020-5 issued by the County Judge for the County of Travis on March 24, 2020, related to the Declaration regarding COVID-19 (the “Order”) and subsequent Executive Order issued by the Governor on March 31, 2020, No. GA-14 relating to statewide continuity of essential services and activities during the COVID-19 disaster (“Governor’s Order”). This Guidance supplements the Guidance published by Travis County on March 30, 2020.

  • April 2, 2020 – Religious Services Guidance (en Español): “Essential services” under Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-14 includes religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship. If religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services due to a lack of capability (technological or financial), they should comply with the Governor’s Executive Order and be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • March 30, 2020 - Do you have questions about the recent Order issued by Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt? Take a look at the FAQ.

  • March 26, 2020 - A University of Texas study shows that we NEED to get to a 90% reduction of personal and business interactions in order to beat Covid-19. Read the summary of the study or view the full study.

  • March 24, 2020 - The Travis County Community Centers will continue to provide services, but they are no longer accepting in-person applications. If you are in need of help from the Community Centers, please call the one closest to you, and Center staff will address your needs over the phone. The locations and phone numbers for the seven Travis County Community Centers can be found here.

  • March 23, 2020 - The Travis County Tax Office will temporarily stop taking any new legal action against those with delinquent property taxes. However, state penalties and interest continues to accrue on what delinquent taxpayers owe. Read more on the Tax Office temporarily suspending legal actions.

  • Economic Recovery Dashboard - In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the trajectory of global, federal, state and local economies. This dashboard serves as an interactive source of data to assist with decision-making and program planning. It also serves as a resource to help the public understand a variety of metrics that explain the state of the local economy and programs available to assist individuals and businesses. Check it out!

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Apply for disaster assistance.

  • March 20, 2020 – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has included the entire state of Texas in its Economic Injury Disaster Declaration and granted access to its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will provide long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying businesses across the state. Go to U.S. Small Business Administration page to apply for assistance.

  • March 19, 2020 – As the number of cases of COVID-19 increase, so does the associated anxiety. To aid individuals and communities during this time, Mental Health America has compiled a range of resources and information.

  • March 18, 2020 - Central Health-funded CommUnityCare Health Centers Tuesday launched a hotline staffed with medical professionals to triage uninsured Travis County residents experiencing a coronavirus-like symptoms (COVID-19). Read the press release.

  • March 16, 2020 - City of Austin's COVID-19 Page

  • City of Austin’s COVID-19: Information for You and Your Family

  • Austin ISD Food Services will prepare and distribute meals for children under the age of 19 at 14 sites while school is closed due to COVID-19 precautions.

  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has consolidated the following information to help educate employers and employees on how they can prepare for and address the impacts of the virus. Read  Combating the Coronavirus toolkit for business.

 

More Resources

 

For questions that can’t be answered by what is online, please feel free to call 3-1-1 if you are inside the Austin city limits or 512-974-2000 if you are outside of the Austin city limits.

 

 

 

TAX RATE: TRAVIS COUNTY ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR'S TAX RATE. THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 3.6 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $11.00.

logo tc seal
©  Travis County. All Rights Reserved.

↑
TOP