AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin leaders Wednesday morning held a press conference as the fear of the spread of coronavirus intensifies.
- City leaders say threat of coronavirus in Austin remains low
- No plans to cancel or postpone SXSW
- People urged to maintain good personal hygiene
Dr. Mark E. Escott, interim medical director for Austin Public Health, assured those gathered that for the time being the threat of coronavirus remains low in Austin.
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Escott further said experts will make recommendations to mitigate the risks of mass gatherings. A partial activation of an emergency operations center has taken place in order to plan, specifically for vulnerable communities, including the elderly.
Escott said there is currently no evidence to suggest that canceling large events including SXSW will make the city safer. In fact, Escott said a concern is if SXSW were to be shut down, people would still come to Austin because they already have travel plans in place. Those people would still attend shows and visit restaurants and bars, and there would be no umbrella group to work with due to the absence of SXSW management.
Going forward, SXSW leadership said volunteers and employees will be screened for symptoms. SXSW will have additional hand washing and sanitizing station, as well as messaging that emphasizes the importance of those healthy practice.
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Escott said that currently one person is under observation in Austin and that a coronavirus test is pending.
“This is a normal process, it doesn’t mean that somebody has the disease, it means the disease is one possibility and it’s an important possibility to exclude in certain patients who meet the criteria for CDC testing,” Escott said
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt reminded people to be vigilant and practice personal hygiene.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler said his chief concern is the safety of the community and that the situation will be repeatedly reevaluated. He said that if the situation warranted it, SXSW could be canceled.