COVID-19 Vaccinations: Austin Public Health asks residents not in vaccine phases 1A or 1B who have health insurance to see if their medical providers can administer them a vaccine rather than signing up through APH’s vaccine registration portal, which should be reserved for residents in priority categories and those without health insurance. For a TX Dept. of State Health Services map of business vaccine providers, email covid19@koop.org or call 512-710-5353.
Austin Still in Stage 5: Although COVID-19 hospitalizations are dropping in Travis County, the city’s Stage 5 COVID-19 restrictions remain in order to prevent community spread and protect our most vulnerable neighbors. Public health officials advise residents to avoid all gatherings outside of the household and avoid dining and shopping except as essential. For more detailed precautionary measures, go to austintexas.gov/covid19 or call 512-974-2000.
Get Health Insurance: The federal government has ordered the federal health insurance Marketplace to reopen enrollment opportunities for uninsured people from Feb. 15–May 15, 2021. If you or someone you know anywhere in Texas doesn’t have health insurance, they can call Foundation Communities Prosper Health Coverage program at 512-381-4520 to get help with the application.
Get Free Food: The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is hosting community-wide food distribution events next week. You can get free groceries for your household there until supplies run out. Try to arrive early, because they don’t have guaranteed groceries if food runs out before 12pm. • Thurs., 2/4, 9am–12pm @ Travis Co. Expo Center (7311 Decker Ln. in 78724); • Sat., 2/13, 9am–12pm @ ACC’s Kyle Campus (1200 Kohlers Crossing in 78640). Call the CTFB distribution programs hotline for schedule updates: (512) 684-2559.
If you have a question for KOOP about COVID-19, leave a message for us at 512-710-5353 or covid19@koop.org. We will respond to questions and share other community updates weekly on Reflections of Community Outreach or the In Touch Interviews show.