Dashboard will now include laboratory-reported antigen cases and deaths
Austin Public Health (APH) is making changes to its COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard to align with the state’s methodology of data collection.
The changes include the cumulative number of laboratory-reported PCR positive and laboratory-reported antigen cases and deaths in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services’ case definition.
"This comes as part of our continued effort to get a more complete picture of COVID-19 and its effects on our community,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Our residents will be able to look to the dashboard and understand the current threat being posed by the virus.”
With the inclusion of antigen positive cases the total case count increased by 23,221 to a total of 223,897. The total number of deaths increased by 78 to a total of 1,432. Previously, only PCR positive cases and deaths had been included in the dashboard.
“Our staff continues to work hard to keep track of COVID-19 metrics in Austin-Travis County,” said Janet Pichette, Chief Epidemiologist for Austin Public Health. “These updates will give everyone an improved understanding of this virus and its burden on our community.”
Another change coming to the dashboard involves the COVID-19 case map. The map will now display cases reported within the last week as opposed to the cumulative total. This change will offer a current view of cases as they are reported across Austin-Travis County.
The COVID-19 Surveillance and Key Indicators for Staging dashboards are down for maintenance. Updates will go live on Thursday afternoon.
APH vaccine and testing information
People can find vaccine providers using Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) or by texting their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic.
APH clinics offer COVID-19 vaccinations and testing without appointment, although creating an account online in advance saves time. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.
To help reserve our emergency rooms for medical emergencies, people who are asymptomatic or experiencing minor symptoms may inquire about testing options by calling 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, or by visiting 211texas.org. Please don’t call 9-1-1 for testing information.
