Fifth COVID-19 fatality in county

Hays County Local Health Department has confirmed a new COVID-related fatality, bringing the county’s total to five. Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said the individual was in their 80s and resided along the Hays/Travis County border but had an Austin address.

Schneider added that he continues to strongly recommend Hays County residents limit their travel to essential trips and while in public to wear face coverings and stay at least six feet away from others.

“We are seeing an uptick in new COVID-19 cases. Over the past two weeks, we have received more than 90 new lab-confirmed cases of the virus,” Schneider said. “The Hays County Local Health Department recommends continuing to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

Monday’s report showed 18 new cases, bringing the county’s total of lab-confirmed cases to 353. Twelve more persons are now considered recovered, for a total of 196. Hays County has 152 active cases. The number of negative tests is 3,914. Schneider is awaiting results on 26 tests.

As of Monday, there are new hospitalizations and one additional person discharged. Total hospitalizations to date for Hays County is 32, with six people currently hospitalized.

The Wimberley Valley has 12 lab confirmed cases, five of which are currently active. There have been no confirmed cases within the Woodcreek city limits.