AUGUST 25, 2021 UBER DEAL
RESPECTS
Uber Kyle $3.14 program makes service more accessible.
Kyle firefighters, emergency personnel, mourn fallen firefighter.
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Hays Free Press HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 127 • No. 22
Serving Hays County, TX
28 Hays residents in ICUs: One vaccinated, 27 not BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Five ICU beds remain available in Trauma Service Area O (TSA-O) as of Aug. 22; TSA-O serves 11 counties, including Hays and Travis counties. Not all ICU beds in
the area are occupied by COVID-19 cases, but 262 of the 496 occupied ICU beds are coronavirus patients. Lack of ICU bed space not only affects coronavirus patients, but it also means that anyone who needs hospitaliza-
tion in an ICU may not get the proper attention they need, according to local doctors. The number of total ICU beds fluctuates depending on how many hospital staff are available. As of Aug. 23, Hays
County has 50 hospitalized residents due to the virus. Of those hospitalized, 41, or 82%, are unvaccinated. Of the unvaccinated patients, 19 are in the ICU on a ventilator and 8 are in the ICU but not on a ventilator.
Only one of the hospitalized vaccinated residents is in the ICU. Data comes from the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD), which receives information from the hospital systems that
Pfizer’s COVID vaccine receives FDA approval
Bound for home
Hill Country Lights Out program is for the birds
BY SAHAR CHMAIS Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine is the first to receive FDA approval for individuals ages 16 and older, according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Pfizer’s vaccine will be marketed under the name Comirnaty. The FDA gave its approval only to Comirnaty for certain age groups, but the vaccine will still be provided to individuals ages 12 and older, under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). “While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vacci-
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are accepting COVID-19 patients. Hays County is still offering free vaccines to anyone ages 12 and older. For those who are homebound, HCLHD can arrange for a mobile vaccine.
BY MEGAN WEHRING PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD
First day of school
A parent at Fuentes Elementary school gives her child one last hug before leaving him on his own on the first day of school.
Community divided
Hays parents debate masks in schools Hays CISD is still maintaining the same policy – that masks are optional but urged.
BY MEGAN WEHRING
HAYS CISD — The mask debate continued as more than 40 speakers showed up at the Hays CISD Board meeting Monday night. Only a minute was allotted to each speaker but that did not stop them from expressing their feelings which ranged from standing up for personal freedom to whether masks are effective or not. Parents who are health care professionals
noted that because of the uptick in COVID-19 cases, it’s time for everyone to mask up to help slow the spread. “We are currently in the worst wave yet of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Nicole Taylor. “The number of pediatric COVID patients in Texas hospitals is higher right now than at any
point in the pandemic. We know that the two most effective strategies in mitigating the risk are vaccines and masks.” Some parents also said that they know what’s best for their children in the long run. “Most of the time, children aren’t going to wear the mask right,” said parent Jennifer
Coming Up SENIOR MOVIE NIGHT AT KRUG ACTIVITY CENTER FRIDAY FEATURES AFRICAN QUEEN
The Silver Screen is a Senior Movie Night hosted by the Kyle Area Senior Zone in the Krug Activity Center (old Kyle City Hall). Friday’s movie will be “The African Queen” (1951) and begins at 5 p.m. In WWI Africa, a gin-swilling riverboat captain is persuaded by a
STATE NEWS
strait-laced missionary to use his boat to attack an enemy warship. For more information contact Adult Services Librarian Jesus Hernandez, jhernandez@ cityofkyle.com.
Veteran reporter Gary Rodgers touches on Capital Highlights.
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Allen. “They are going to tell you they are going to wear the mask and they don’t wear the mask. I feel like we need to have the choice.” Pulling children out of school was also brought up. “Unenrolled is the next step,” said Chelsea Collie. “I suggest that we stop fighting, start talking and finding common ground. I had to throw a fit at the last meeting just to get 30
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fudge, honey, gluten-free products, plants, crafts, ready to eat food, olive oil, pet products and more. Enjoy live music from local musicians while supporting your local vendors.
BUDA FARMERS MARKET SUNDAY The Downtown Buda Farmers Market is a place where farmers, producers and artisans can gather to provide fresh local goods, promote sustainability and support healthy living. Market shoppers will find fresh produce, meat, eggs, bread, kombucha, handmade soaps, baked goods, handmade candy and
CALLING ALL KYLES!
Despite the cancelation of the annual Pie in the Sky Festival Labor Day weekend, Kyle officials are trying to gather as many festival goers as possible with the name “Kyle” in an effort to break the world record for the most Kyles in one place. The gathering will occur on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. There will be a group photo and official sign in.
The Hays Free Press Barton Publications, Inc. The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323
DRIPPING SPRINGS — The city launched ‘Lights Out Dripping Springs’ to help birds migrate. Millions of birds, from hummingbirds to geese, migrate across North America every year — mostly at night. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take a pledge to turn off exterior lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sept. 5 through Oct. 29 and March 15 through June 15. City council has also proclaimed August through October and March through May as Lights Out Migratory Months. Dripping Springs commences this annual program to help birds make it to their destinations safely. Lights Out Dripping Springs is part of Audubon’s national initiative, established in 1999 to protect birds from light pollution. By turning off excess lighting during the months migrating birds are flying overhead, communities can help provide them safe passage between their nesting and wintering grounds. Dripping Springs residents should follow these guidelines during these guidelines: • Turn off exterior decorative lighting. • Use light only when and where needed. • Use only as much light as needed. • Aim needed lights downExtinguish pot and floodlights. • Minimize blue light emissionsUse energy efficient lighting sources and fixtures.
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