Three new COVID-19 related deaths in county

Hays County Local Health Department today reports three new COVID-related fatalities; all three are males from San Marcos. Two of the deceased are a father, in his 70s, and son, in his 50s. The third male was in his 80s. The County now has a total of 10 COVID-related deaths.

The Wimberley Valley now has 46 total confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 35 of those cases still active. There are no confirmed cases within the city limits of Woodcreek.

There were smaller amounts of COVID-19 confirmed cases over the Fourth of July holiday weekend compared to recent reports. It is not clear at this time if a recent backlog in testing is the cause of the lower confirmed cases or if it is the beginning of a trend in cases dropping in the county. (See County Searching For New Virus Testing Options on page 4.) Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said he believes the low confirmed totals this weekend are because of those testing issues, which included local private practices having a limited amount of tests available.

There were 66 cases reported from July 3 through July 5 in Hays County. On Monday, July 6, the county reported 77 additional cases.

Schneider said the County’s total of lab-confirmed cases is 3,193; of those, 2,655 are considered active as of Monday, July 6. The total number of individuals considered recovered is 528. The number of negative tests is 10,294. Schneider is awaiting results on 72 tests. Hays County has had 68 total hospitalizations; 20 people are currently hospitalized.

“Regardless of your age, profession, gender or any other factor, you have the power to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” Schneider said. “We are looking at a virus that may not severely hurt you, but you could pass it along to a loved one or friend who isn’t able to fight the virus.”

He added that there are simple, effective steps we all can take to slow the spread.

“If you don’t need to go out, stay home,” he said. “If you go out, remain distanced from others, wear a mask and wash your hands often. When we work together for the safety of our community, we can make an impact.”