COVID-19 Update On Vaccinations & Restrictions
This week Austin Public Health (APH) launched a new digital dashboard to track vaccinations across Travis County. It includes details about how many doses have been given out, along with an interactive map showing where the vaccines have been administered. As of this morning, 37,258 doses have been administered by APH. Click here to see the new dashboard. While there are many other local vaccine providers, APH remains the main hub in the area, receiving a majority of the vaccines. Please continue to speak with your health care provider and sign up for waitlists that are available on the APH website and other providers in the area. We have several links set up on our website, including the pre-registration portal with APH. Please click here to connect to those resources.

This week, Travis County also lowered its risk-based guidelines status from Stage 5 to Stage 4, which loosens some restrictions. This is due to cases and hospitalizations continuing to drop from its peak earlier this year. Stage 4 recommends businesses operate within a 25% to 50% capacity (instead of just contactless service), along with individuals avoiding groups no larger than 10, and those at high risk avoiding gatherings of more than 2 people (instead of everyone stay home except as essential, and avoid all groups). Click here to see the guidelines.

There have been a total of 73,259 cumulative cases in Travis County, which is up by 2,095 compared with the same time last week and 3,598 compared with the week before that. Here is a further breakdown of the numbers:
 
ACTIVE CASES IN TRAVIS COUNTY
  • 3,506 this week
  • 4,859 last week
  • 5,298 week before last

LOCAL (78734, 78738, 78669 ZIP CODES)
  • 2,313 cumulative cases this week
  • 2,258 cumulative cases last week
  • 2,155 cumulative cases week before last
 
HOSPITALIZATIONS IN REGION
  • 435 this week
  • 511 last week
  • 560 week before last

ICU PATIENTS IN REGION
  • 131 this week
  • 151 last week
  • 162 week before last
 
Click here to review the COVID-19 case dashboard, which includes an interactive map to see cases by your zip code. Click here for more details on hospitalizations.
 
Whether your have or have not received a vaccine, please continue to social/physical distance between individuals not in your household, wear a proper face covering, and wash your hands regularly. Thank you for continuing to follow these guidelines during this difficult and unusual time.
Weather Alert: Freezing Temperatures Through Weekend; Drive With Caution
Freezing temperatures are expected to continue for several days, with snow and freezing rain possible into early next week. Plan ahead before winter weather arrives and please use caution if you have to travel on area roadways. During the snow event earlier this year, several crashes were reported. This upcoming event could last longer with even more accumulation. If you do need to get out in your vehicle, here are some additional tips from TxDOT:

  • Use caution when driving over bridges and overpasses. These are the first to freeze. 
  • Reduce your speed. A vehicle needs at least three times more space to stop on a slick roadway. Do not apply the brakes suddenly, and avoid using cruise control, so that you can respond better if you encounter slippery roads.
  • Slow down when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, especially when their flashing lights are on. The law requires you to maintain a distance of at least 200 feet when approaching crews, and do not pass on the right. Visibility can also be reduced during winter weather conditions.
  • Be patient. Your trip time – including short commutes to work – could increase when adverse weather conditions exist. Also, keep to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts through territory that may not have been treated.
  • Winterize vehicles before traveling during adverse weather. Check fuel, tire, oil and antifreeze levels. Make sure heater, brakes and windshield wipers are working properly.
  • Check area weather conditions on radio or television before starting a trip.

For real-time roadway conditions, visit drivetexas.org. For weather reports, monitor local news stations or connect here to weather.gov.

Lakeway MUD also has these important tips for protecting your pipes:

  • Wrap all exposed pipes.
  • Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets and turn off your irrigation.
  • Leave your water dripping at your kitchen and bathroom sinks overnight.
  • If a pipe bursts, make sure your know where your home's water shut off is located and how to turn it off.

Additionally, city offices will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2021 in observance of President's Day. For emergencies, please call 9-1-1. For the non-emergency line to our police department, you may call (512) 261-2800.
Job Openings & City Volunteer Positions Available
The City of Lakeway is looking for volunteers to serve on city boards, commissions and committees. There are vacancies on several committees currently, including the Wildlife Advisory Committee and Parks & Recreation Committee, along with the City Building Commission and an alternate position for the Zoning and Planning Commission. There is also an open volunteer position as treasurer. Visit our volunteer page for more information, or just click here.

The City of Lakeway is also seeking qualified individuals for several open staff positions. The available positions include: senior planner; fleet maintenance coordinator; lead accountant; code compliance officer; police officer; custodian and several positions with the Lakeway Swim Center. If you're interested in applying for one of these positions, please visit our employment page by clicking here.

Additionally, Lakeway MUD is hiring full-time maintenance workers with or without experience to assist in the installation and repair of water and wastewater lines. For information on those job openings, please click here.
NEW: Easter Cottontail EGGspress

The city's parks & recreation department continues to find new ways to do some of our favorite events in the age of COVID. In place of the popular Eggstravaganza! event this year, a special Easter delivery event is being planned instead. The Easter Bunny will help deliver goodie bags to households on March 26 and March 27. Registration is required and will be open starting February 15 through March 15. There will be a charge of $10 per goodie bag. Click here to connect to more information, and be sure to sign up if you're interested starting next Monday.
NEW: March Blood Drive

The next Lakeway Community Blood Drive will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 20 at the Lakeway Activity Center. Registration is required. Walk-ins will not be accepted at this event. All donated blood will be tested for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies. Additionally, if you have been vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you are eligible to donate blood. If you are part of another vaccination trial, there's a 14 day wait period after your shot before you can donate. Click here for more information and to register for your appointment.
Now thru Feb. 15 (All Day)
Monday, Feb. 15 (All Day)
Tuesday, Feb. 16 @ 6:30 p.m.