Just days after moving to Stage 3 of the City of Austin’s COVID-19 risk-based guidelines, Austin-Travis County has announced a shift to Stage 2.
The last time Stage 2 was implemented was 10 months ago in May 2021.
Earlier this year, the Austin area experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases because of the omicron variant, prompting authorities to raise the guidelines to Stage 5.
“Let’s hope this spring marks the beginning of a brighter, healthier future,” Dr. Desmar Walkes, the city’s medical director/health authority, said, according to Austin ABC affiliate KVUE. “While we enjoy this moment, don’t forget about those who are still at risk. You can always wear a mask to protect yourself and those around you.”
KVUE reported fully-vaccinated individuals aren’t required to wear masks dining, shopping or attending gatherings under Stage 2, but masks are still required when traveling.
Those who aren’t inoculated still have to wear masks.
The announcement comes as Austin prepares to host South by Southwest from March 11 through March 20, the station reported.
According to event officials, attendees are required to show their vaccination cards or a negative COVID-19 test.
“Excited and relieved to see virus numbers coming down to Stage 2 — we’ve all worked so hard!” Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a statement. “Over the next couple weeks, however, tens of thousands of guests from around the world will visit Austin for our spring festivals. SXSW will honor their long-standing commitment to keep participants as safe as possible. We can support them by also masking indoors until SXSW concludes on March 20 — it’s just two weeks.”
Earlier this week, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) announced that it’ll make masks optional beginning March 7.
“Our COVID-19 numbers have significantly decreased to a level that today are only measurable to the thousandth, t-h, of a percent,” AISD superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde said, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported. “To be exact, .007%, for this past week.”
