CDC predicts late summer COVID wave. What are levels like in Austin?
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/c...utm_source=t.co
by: Kelsey Thompson
Posted: Jul 30, 2023 / 02:35 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 30, 2023 / 02:35 PM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are forewarning of a possible late summer wave of new COVID-19 cases, according to reporting from NPR. Here at the local level, Austin Public Health officials are also prepping in the event of possible upticks.

Dr. Desmar Walkes, medical director with APH, told KXAN last week the regional health department is tracking any possible trends that could emerge. Walkes said many people have relaxed on social distancing and masking practices, especially in the warmer summer months.

“We just want to remind people as we have transitioned to this new normal place that we still need to do the things that we know work to prevent ourselves from getting sick and keep us from spreading disease in the community,” Walkes said. “Get vaccinated, mask, distance, that sort of thing.”

Walkes said APH had noted a slight increase in hospitalizations, but added it’s nothing substantial that’s overwhelming Austin’s healthcare system.

In addition to tracking raw case counts and hospitalization numbers, the health department said it was collecting samples of raw sewage to help detect the viral load in the Austin community.

As for vaccinations, anyone over the age of 6 who’s received a bivalent shot is classified as up-to-date on their vaccination. People over the age of 65 have the option to receive an additional booster, once at least four months have passed since that first booster shot. Those who are immunocompromised or have a higher risk of developing COVID-19 are eligible for an additional booster at least two months after receiving their first booster.-- excerpt, rest at link above --


People, get ready.

Energy industry fears Biden to declare climate emergency, seize powers like COVID pandemic
https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/...aign=newsletter
U.S. Oil and Gas Association's president warned such a move would be a COVID 2.0.
By Addison Smith
Updated: July 30, 2023 - 7:25am


President Joe Biden appears to be facing increasing demands to declare a climate emergency, like the one declared for the COVID-19 pandemic that had a devastating impact on the country, warns a top advocate for the U.S. oil and gas industry.

"They're leaning to that direction," U.S. Oil and Gas Association President Tim Stewart recently told Just the News. "If you grant the president's emergency powers to declare a climate emergency, it's just like COVID.”

Stewart also said such a declaration would give the president “vast and unchecked authority to shut down everything from communications to infrastructure."

He said infrastructure would include water and electricity, and that Biden also could freeze assets under such a declaration.

The White House COVID emergency that was declared by President Trump in 2020 resulted in the closing of U.S. borders and required a vaccination for federal government employees. In the following months and years, with many businesses also shuttered, the country plunged into record unemployment and inflation.

The calls for Biden to declare-- excerpt, rest at link above --