Coronavirus: Austin Mayor Thanks City, Rallies Residents On

AUSTIN, TX — As he hunkers down like the rest of us to wait out the coronavirus pandemic, Austin Mayor Steve Adler took time on Sunday to thank the community for its physical distancing efforts. Concurrently, he took time to praise those groups stepping up to help out while offering activities for sheltered-in-place families to enjoy at home in a virtual setting.

"Austin, we’re in another week of STAY HOME WORK SAFE, the mayor began in his missive to the city. "Our community needs you all to continue to stay home, unless it’s essential."

He notes the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Austin/Travis County grew from 160 to 460 this week, which is why he has recruited some star power to underscore the message on the need for social distancing: "You can get this virus, not feel any of it, and be infecting other people. That’s why Austin’s first Minister of Culture, Matthew McConaguehy, is helping me and Judge Eckhardt remind everyone, especially our young adults."

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The message aimed at youth comes in the wake of revelations more than 200 UT-Austin students opted to go on spring break together in coastal Mexico despite incessant warnings from health officials. At last check, 49 of the travelers have been positively diagnosed for the COVID-19 virus that causes respiratory illness.

“No matter how good you feel," the mayor said, "stay home if you can.”

Those feeling sick should call their health care providers for guidance rather than going to the emergency room. A phone call to a doctor is the first step toward possible testing, the mayor said. Those without a primary care physician should call CommUnityCare at (512) 978-8775.

If leaving one's home is an absolute necessity — outings that should be restricted to buying groceries, retriving medicines at the pharmacy or going to the bank for cash — residents should maintain a six-foot distance between each other.

It's important to wash one's hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds — the equivalent of singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice, as has been noted by some. If you're too embarrassed or self-conscious to sing the birthday song, either aloud in your head (right?), do like Round Rock advises: "Wash your hands like you just got done slicing jalapeños for a batch of nachos and you need to take your contacts out," as the city advises in its public awareness campaign.

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And when trips are necessary, residents should send out just one member of the family to avoid contagion, the mayor advised.

The mayor offered a link to stay informed on COVID-19, accessible by clicking here. Residents also can call Austin 3-1-1 or (512) 974-2000 for questions not answered on that website, the mayor advised.

Amid the pandemic, the mayor has reached out to the community with updates and messages of hope as he sees an increasing number of residents adhering to social distancing guidelines. He previously penned a letter to residents in rallying them on, and on March 30 sent a video message to the community from bunker-like enirons at his home.

For good measure in the latest mayoral message, Adler offered his top links showcasing examples of Austin residents taking care of each other, all comprising "....things that made me and my office smile throughout the week," the mayor said. Those links are:

• Baton Creole’s Pay it Forward Plates.
• St David’s staff cheering for a patient who recovered from COVID-19 as she exits the hospital.
• Two UT Students launched a website that tracks store inventories.All Together ATX’s Virtual Telethon to raise funds in support of communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
• An All Together ATX "virtual telethon" designed to raise funds in support of communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
• Big Flavor Film’s “message of hope for our city and the world.”

Looking for Stay Home plans?

The mayor also directed residents to programs he's looking forward to explore in the coming days, inviting others to do the same:

• The Blanton Museum has released their collection for you to browse online.
• The Bullock Museum is sharing campfire stories featuring some of the most influential Texans.
• Go to the movies! At home. Alamo Drafthouse now has Alamo-At-Home.
• SXSW to stream videos.
• Thinkery Austin videos for at home activities with kids.
• Jackie Venson and Gina Chavez, two local Austin singers, frequently release music for all of us to enjoy.
• Daily Dose of Esther’s Follies gives you access to content like Quarantine Pie.
• Enjoy a date night at home.

"Thank you to everyone doing their part, whether that be working on the frontlines or staying home to prevent the spread," Adler concluded. "Stay home, y’all. We’ll get through this together."