Austin Groups Team Up For Free PPE Distribution Amid COVID-19

AUSTIN, TX — Free personal protective equipment will be distributed in the coming days as part of an effort targeting areas with high COVID-19 positivity rates, officials announced on Tuesday.

The distribution event slated to take place over the next several weeks is being organized by Austin Public Health, CommUnityCare and Central Health, according to an advisory. As cold and flu season approaches and many people return to in-person work and school, officials explained, representatives from the local health agencies want to prevent another uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Because COVID-19 is most easily spread from person to person, health officials remind everyone to stay vigilant about wearing PPE, washing or sanitizing their hands often, and watching their distance with others — keeping at least six feet between themselves and coworkers, close friends and family outside of their household.

More details are expected to be released during a virtual news conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Expected to attend the event are:

• Dr. Mark Escott, Austin Travis County Interim Public Health Authority.
• Stephanie Hayden, Director, Austin Public Health.
• Dr. Alan Schalscha, Chief Medical Officer, CommUnityCare.
• Mike Geeslin, President & CEO, Central Health.
• Elizabeth Marrero, Program Director, Central Health.
• Ofelia and Tim Zapata, community members and COVID-19 survivors.

Patch will update this story after the news conference with details, including the areas slated for PPE distribution and times for the events. Refresh this page for the latest details.

About Central Health

Central Health is the local healthcare district that connects one in seven Travis County residents with low income to quality health care. We work with a network of partners to eliminate health disparities and reach our vision of Travis County becoming a model healthy community.

About Austin Public Health

Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats, and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic diseases and improve health outcomes.