Coronavirus: Austin Illness Count Grows To 351

AUSTIN, TX — The number of coronavirus cases in Travis County grew to 351 on Thursday, up 46 from the day before. So far, three deaths from the respiratory illness have been reported in the county.

The increase was reported by Austin Public Health officials on Thursday. Statewide, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported an increaes of 847 new cases, bringing the total to 4,469. So far, there have been 70 fatalities reported in Texas from the COVID-19 virus.

As the level of cases grew locally, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt appeared in a public service announcement with actor Matthew McConaughey extolling the virtues of social distancing as the most effective way of mitigating the potential spread of infection in preventing an illness for which there is no vaccine.

The Oscar-winning thespian and native Texan is a fixture in Austin — particularly at UT-Austin sporting events —where he attended the University of Texas at Austin. In the video, he joins Adler and Eckhardt in delivering advice and encouragement amid the pandemic while seated apart in keeping with physical distancing guidelines.

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The message is decidedly serious, but Eckhardt provided levity in introducing the actor dubbed the "Minister of Culture" by his alma mater. "Despite his ridiculous animal magnetism, I am practicing social distancing, and keeping six feet away from him," the judge quipped.

For his part, Adler noted how asymptomatic people — those not exhibiting symptoms of the virus — are still able to transmit the illness. He lauded residents' efforts in practicing social distancing but noted much more has to be done to maintain the pandemic protocol: "This is really serious now," Adler said. "This is really serious now. This is crunch time."

McConaughey directed part of his message the the UT-Austin student community. His message came in the wake of revelations that 70 students defied health officials advice on social distancing by taking a Spring Break vacation in the coastal resort town of Cabo San Lucas about two weeks ago — only to have more than 40 of them return infected with the respiratory illness virus.

Related stories:

• Coronavirus: 44 UT-Austin Students Test Positive After Vacation
• Coronavirus: 28 Returning Vacationers Test Positive In Austin
• Coronavirus: Young Austin Patient In Critical Condition
• Coronavirus: Texas Illness Count Grows To 4,469, With 70 Deaths
• Coronavirus: Williamson County Cases Increase To 63
• Coronavirus: Travis County Illness Count Grows To 244

"Also to all the youth in the city of Austin plus all the students at the University of Texas: The virus has come on, and you've been asked to grow up sooner than you thought you were gonna have to. You've had responsbiliteis laid on your lap that you didn't bargain for. You just went off to Spring Break, you got back with a tan, you feel great! What's wrong with that?"

He explained: "No matter how good you feel right now, stay home if you can. I'm sorry you got these responsibilities on you at this time. It's an unprecedented time in all our lives, but face the facts that they're here. This is a science fiction film no more. It's reality, man! Deal with it, please. We need you to, and you need us to. Please, aight?

But he ends on a hopeful note, envisioning a time when everyone will be able to venture outdoors with abandon again someday with the current tactics of self-isolation poised to pay dividends in the future. But for now: "Stay home, hook 'em, and just keep living," McConaughey advised.

From April 1:

AUSTIN, TX — The number of patients in Travis County diagnosed with coronavirus — a respiratory illnewss known as COVID-19 — grew to 305 cases on Wednesday, with a third fatality from the illness reported.

The upgraded count is an increase of 61 from the previous day's total of 244 patients — the biggest spike in new cases since Austin Public Health began keeping records. Until now, the biggest day-to-day increase in new cases came on Tuesday when 38 new cases were added to a 206-patient count the day before.

The bolstered count came one day after nearly 30 University of Texas at Austin students came down with the illness after returning from a spring break outing in Cabo San Lucas, a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsulas known for its nightlife.

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The students coming back infected with the virus were among a group of 70 peers chartering a plane south of the border despite incessant advisories to stay home while avoiding congregating in large groups — measures taken to mitigate illness spread via respiratory droplets.

Related stories:

• Coronavirus: Travis County Illness Count Grows To 244
• Coronavirus: 28 Returning Vacationers Test Positive In Austin
  
• Coronavirus: Williamson County Illness Count Grows To 55

In addition to the 28 students positively diagnosed with the illness, at least another four are being monitored, according to health officials.