COVID-19 Watch

Large group of Austin 'spring breakers' test positive for COVID-19 after vacation

Coronavirus testing COVID-19 testing lab doctor test

Nearly 30 Austinites have tested positive for COVID-19 after a trip to Cabo San Lucas.

Photo by Getty Images

Update: Following publication, UT confirmed the patients are university students.

---

Twenty-eight "spring breakers" have tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home from a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Austin Public Health announced on Tuesday, March 31, that an investigation is underway after 70 people, identified as being in their 20s, took a chartered a plane to Cabo 10 days ago. Some of those travelers returned to Austin on commercial flights, says an APH alert.

Of those patients testing positive, four showed no symptoms. All those who have tested positive are in self-isolation. The remaining travelers are being quarantined and monitored for symptoms.

Austin Public Health did not identify any of the patients but did say APH, along with UT Health Austin and University Health Services, are monitoring all 70 travelers. UT Health Austin is the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, and UHS is UT's student healthcare provider.

"While Mexico at the time of their travel was not under a federal travel advisory, Austin-Travis County residents should follow CDC’s travel recommendations indicating travelers avoid all non-essential international travel," notes the APH release. "A leisure vacation of any kind is not considered essential."

According to the timeline provided, the vacation happened after key events in the spread of the novel coronavirus, including the extension of spring break for area universities and the cancellation of SXSW, but before Austin's Stay Home/Work Smart order was issued.

The Department of State Health Services has been notified, says APH.

university-texas health

In Memoriam

Friends and classmates remember Manor student killed in stabbing

Photo courtesy of KVUE

The community held a vigil for Darrin Loving on the football field.

On Friday night, the scoreboard at Manor High School's football field was transformed into an image of Darrin Loving.

The 18-year-old was stabbed to death on campus by 18-year-old Mac Brown Mbah Mbanwei, according to investigators.

Friends, classmates, and staff formed a circle on the field and heard from school leaders and a bishop for a vigil in honor of the teenager. Manor ISD Superintendent Robert Sormani, Principal Jessica Hearne and a bishop welcomed from Houston all spoke to the crowd.

Following the speeches, the crowd lined up to drop off their candles at a small memorial for the teen just outside the stadium.

For students who called Loving their friend, they're still grappling with the loss and the reality of going back to school.

"I honestly don't even feel safe coming to school on Tuesday," said Ronzelle Woods, who said he'd known Loving since middle school. "I mean, just knowing that I have to walk with eyes behind my head, you know, anything can happen."

Woods described Loving as his last name — a loving person.

"He liked to laugh, joke and talk about his day, and all he wanted to do was walk the [graduation] stage," said Woods.

Woods added that Loving was his reason for wanting to go to school every day, ”I can’t even go about my day without talking to Darrin because he makes my day every time by just hearing his voice, talking to me, making jokes."

Others who saw Loving as a friend echoed similar sentiments.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.