What we know about likely Stage 5 COVID restrictions for Austin area as omicron surges

Heather Osbourne, Austin American-Statesman
·4 min read
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Austin Public Health is preparing to shift back into Stage 5 of its risk-based pandemic guidelines this week as omicron cases soar. The American-Statesman has compiled a list of frequently asked questions as to how the strictest set of guidelines will affect the daily life of Austin residents.

Information is provided by Austin Public Health and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more: Austin likely to soon adopt strictest Stage 5 COVID guidelines amid post-holiday surge

I'm fully vaccinated and boosted, so what would Stage 5 mean for me?

If you're at low-risk for severe symptoms you should:

  • Wear a mask for all indoor and outdoor gatherings.

  • Wear a mask when traveling

  • Wear a mask when dining outdoors. Also, only dine indoors with a mask only at places that require vaccinations and masks

  • Wear a mask when shopping

If you're at high-risk for severe symptoms you should:

  • Avoid all indoor and outdoor gatherings

  • Avoid all non-essential travel

  • Wear a mask when dining outdoors. Dine indoors with a mask only at places that require vaccinations and masks

  • Avoid all shopping, apart from takeaway and curbside

I'm unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or past due for my booster. So what would Stage 5 mean for me?

If you're not fully protected with both your initial vaccines and a booster shot once eligible, you should:

  • Avoid indoor and outdoor gatherings

  • Avoid all travel

  • Only participate in takeaway and curbside dining

  • Only participate in curbside shopping

Can Texas businesses still require that I wear a mask?

Yes. Local businesses under Gov. Greg Abbott's renewed executive orders still have a legal right to require that you wear a mask. However, it's up to each business to decide whether to put a mask policy in place.

Austin Public Health has not officially requested for Austin area businesses to again require masks, but has requested all Austin residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear them in all public settings.

Should my young children wear masks in public?

The CDC says children who are 2 and older should be wearing masks in indoor public spaces.

A child who is younger than 2 years old, or cannot wear a mask for another reason, should be limited from visiting with people who are not vaccinated. They should also stay at least 6 feet from others in public.

'Hitting kids hard': What to know about children and the omicron COVID-19 variant

It's recommended that children who are at least 5 years old get vaccinated against the coronavirus. All children 5 and older should also wear masks in public.

Can fully vaccinated people be infected with omicron?

Yes. Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, says regardless of vaccination status, everyone still is at risk of contracting omicron.

However, most who are vaccinated and boosted have very mild symptoms of the disease, while those who are not can have a more serious response to the virus.

Do I need a COVID booster shot if I'm fully vaccinated?

All adults over the age of 18 should receive a booster at least six months after their second shot for Moderna and Pfizer, and after two months for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Those who are 16 and 17 years old are also strongly encouraged to get their booster at least 6 months after their initial Pfizer series.

Is it safe for pregnant or nursing moms to get a COVID vaccine?

Yes. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is very safe for a pregnant person and their baby to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines are especially recommended for those expecting because pregnancy increases the risk for severe illness.

ICU nurses prepare to enter into a COVID-19 patient's room at UTMB Galveston's ICU in August. Doctors locally are preparing for a fourth surge of COVID-19 patients because of omicron.
ICU nurses prepare to enter into a COVID-19 patient's room at UTMB Galveston's ICU in August. Doctors locally are preparing for a fourth surge of COVID-19 patients because of omicron.

Where can I receive a COVID-19 vaccine this week?

Austin Public Health is currently offering COVID-19 vaccines in the following locations:

  • Delco Activity Center (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Flu) (Pfizer for ages 5 and up)

Address: 4601 Pecan Brook Dr. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; Thursday 2– 7 p.m.

  • Old Sims Elementary Gymnasium (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Flu) (Pfizer for ages 5 and up)

Address: 1203 Springdale Rd Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 2–7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

  • Pfluger Hall (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) (Pfizer for ages 5 and up)

Address: 201 S Railroad, Pflugerville, TX 78660 Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 2-7 p.m.

  • Southeast Library (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) (Pfizer for ages 12 and up)

Address: 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where can I receive a COVID-19 test this week?

Those currently on the hunt for a PCR test can get one through Austin Public Health and Travis County at:

  • The George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center at 5801 Ainez Dr from Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

  • Travis County Exposition Center at 7311 Decker Lane from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Stage 5 COVID restrictions in Austin: What we know