Austin health authorities see new COVID-19 surge ahead while critics see politics

New computer modeling is suggesting a second wave of COVID-19 could strike unless people in Austin take steps to control the spread. But the warning is being seen by some as politics even as public health authorities try to make sure this message gets out to those who appear most at risk.

Austin Public Health says new models from the University of Texas suggest COVID-19 could make a comeback by June if people don't stop what they call "risk-taking" but others call "enjoying summer." Health officials say the dire forecast can change if we go back to wearing face masks, washing hands and continuing social distancing.

But that advice is being judged differently the closer we get to November. Dr Mark Escott, interim health authority for Austin and Travis County says, “This message is getting very confused right now because we're in an election year. I think in many circumstances the public is told you have to choose public health or the economy. Those are the only two choices. and that's simply not true. We're looking for the sweet spot in the middle that optimizes public health and the economy."

The city has noted recently that a large share of those sick enough to be hospitalized for COVID-19 in Austin have been Hispanic with Mayor Adler pointing to video of a packed outdoor concert as an example of a real risk for spreading the disease.

Our sister station Telemundo Austin has been working hard throughout the pandemic to reach out to Spanish-speaking viewers with these kinds of warnings. Now the City of Austin is ramping up its own outreach efforts to reach these families who right now appear to be at such a high risk.