The Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday unanimously approved extending the appointment of a person in a key community role as the coronavirus continues to spread. Dr. Mark Escott — who has been serving as the interim health authority for Austin Public Health since October and whose recommendations have guided the city and county through the pandemic — will continue in his leadership position through Sept. 30. Escott told the court on Tuesday that “We’ll strive for perfection.” The Austin Public Health Department said recruiting a new health authority has taken longer than anticipated. The position became vacant in spring 2019 after the departure of Dr. Phillip Huang, who left Austin for a position with Dallas County Health and Human Services. Travis County joined the city of Austin in requiring residents to shelter in place following Escott’s recommendations.

<p>The Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday unanimously approved extending the appointment of a person in a key community role as the coronavirus continues to spread. Dr. Mark Escott &mdash; who has been serving as the interim health authority for Austin Public Health since October and whose recommendations have guided the city and county through the pandemic &mdash; will continue in his leadership position through Sept. 30. Escott told the court on Tuesday that &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll strive for perfection.&rdquo; The Austin Public Health Department said recruiting a new health authority has taken longer than anticipated. The position became vacant in spring 2019 after the departure of Dr. Phillip Huang, who left Austin for a position with Dallas County Health and Human Services. Travis County joined the city of Austin in requiring residents to shelter in place following Escott&rsquo;s recommendations.</p>

News Briefs from the Austin American Statesman, Austin, TX

<p>News Briefs from the Austin American Statesman, Austin, TX</p>

Austin News Briefs - Austin American Statesman

Austin - Austin doctor’s interim role extended through September amid coronavirus crisis

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