Dear Neighbors,

I write to you with urgency and deep concern. After only a week in Stage 3 of our COVID Risk Guidelines, Austin’s COVID cases, hospitalizations, and ICU usage have advanced into Stage 4. Unfortunately, the virus variants are present and spreading in our community. The Delta variant is more contagious and dangerous than the original virus, and it is quickly changing the situation in Central Texas and throughout the country. The good news here is that we can take action to prevent a major third wave: get vaccinated. 

Vaccines are our greatest tool in the race to defeat this pandemic. Getting vaccinated protects you, and, critically, it protects the more vulnerable members of our community, such as children under the age of 12 and individuals who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons. More good news: vaccines (and testing) are offered for free at locations across the city.

Today, several local hospital physicians joined Austin Public Health for a press conference in which they shared their recent experiences in the Emergency Room with COVID-19 and its variants. I highly encourage you to watch the press conference as it contains very important information about what is happening in our community. Our ER doctors are pleading with the public to get vaccinated to help keep our hospital system from getting overwhelmed and to save lives. They report that the vast majority of their COVID ICU patients are unvaccinated, with several current patients under the age of 40. Physicians also stress the importance of facts in the conversation about vaccines. 

Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Our own top doctors are vaccinating themselves and their families against COVID because they know it works. We should do the same. 

I know we are all feeling “pandemic fatigue” and long for life to return to normal. I ask that we all do what we can in this moment to prevent a severe third wave of infection, and I am deeply thankful for each person who does their part.

As we enter Stage 4, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are recommended to wear a mask when leaving home. If you are not fully vaccinated, please stay home when you can. The new variants have different symptoms than the original virus and can resemble the common cold. Regardless of vaccination status if you are feeling sick, please get tested. If you are vaccinated, please also note that we are seeing a small but increasing number of “breakthrough” cases where fully vaccinated individuals are contracting COVID. Fortunately, the vaccine greatly reduces the risk of severe illness, but the threat of transmission remains. If you know someone who is hesitant to get the vaccine, please reach out and talk with them. Masks continue to be important tools in preventing the spread.

I encourage you to check out the City’s COVID website, which includes information on vaccines and testing, as well as dashboards reflecting current COVID data. Together we can save lives and protect our community. Thank you for stepping up in this fight.

Regards,

Alison Alter

Council Member, District 10