Sept. 14, 2021: COVID-19 Health, Safety, and Resources

 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and resources from the City of Austin.   Resources Free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vaccine Information Austin-Travis County COVID-19 Safety Guide for Venues & Special Events COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Request for Applications Austin Public Health seeks to fund qualified non-profit providers to promote the COVID-19 vaccine with populations at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease including populations of color, immigrants and refugees, lower income, and older adults, who have suffered disproportionate rates of COVID-19 disease. Submit your outreach application by September 29.   Skip the Horse Medicine As misinformation continues to spread on the Internet about COVID-19, Austin Public Health is warning against individuals using medications not intended, prescribed or approved for COVID-19 treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that taking large doses of the drug Ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 and its variants can be dangerous and cause serious harm to humans.   Monoclonal Antibodies An expanded therapeutic infusion center in Austin is providing monoclonal antibody therapy to anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 and is at risk of severe illness. Individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and are interested in monoclonal antibody therapy must have a recommendation from a health care provider and call 3-1-1 for free treatment. For more information, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000.   Local and Federal Eviction Protections Mayor Steve Adler issued Order No. 20210730-031 (PDF) that extends protection to some residential and commercial tenants and prohibits landlords from issuing notices to vacate except in certain circumstances through October 15. Austinites in need of rental assistance can still apply to the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program.   Travis County Eviction Orders extended the prohibition of eviction proceedings to October 15. The Orders also address the backlog of unpaid rent affecting landlords. Find helpful Travis County Eviction resources.   The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order to temporarily halt evictions in counties with heightened levels of community COVID-19 transmission until October 3, 2021. Visit the CDC website for COVID-19 news and resources.   COVID-19 Symptoms If you traveled during the Labor Day weekend, don't forget to watch for symptoms! If anyone in your household starts to feel sick, get tested for COVID-19 and consider isolating. Visit the City of Austin’s COVID-19 page to learn more about the symptoms and resources.   Convalescent Plasma Donation If you have recovered from COVID-19 and have been without symptoms for at least fourteen days, you can help a COVID-19 patient in our community by donating whole blood or platelets at We Are Blood.