Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count Grows To 306, 1 More Death

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — A tenth patient has died of new coronavirus and five more have been diagnosed with the respiratory illnes in the past 24 hours, Williamson County health officials said.

The additional diagnoses bring to 306 the number of coronavirus cases detected in the county to date, according to a data-rich dashboard created by the Williamson County and Cities Health District that is updated daily. The latest death is the fifth one in Williamson County since Sunday.

There are 10 patients currently hospitalized, including two on ventilators. Health officials noted 179 patients have since recovered from the illness since contracting the COVID-19 virus.

The latest county resident to die of the illness is a man in his 60s who was a resident of a nursing home, officials said. Provisions related to patient privacy preclude officials from providing more information that could yield identifying details.

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"Today, we have lost another one of our Williamson County residents," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "In fact, this is the fifth person that is a resident of one of our local nursing homes."

County officials previously revealed news of an illness cluster at an unidentified nursing home where 46 people caught the virus. Despite the news, Gravell sought to assuage concerns: "You need to know that your Williamson County and Williamson County and Cities Health District have been working tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable population," he said. "There are people who are literally fighting for their lives. It is incumbent upon all of us to protect and pray for those in our nursing facilities."

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Gravell urged those with family members in nursing homes to adhere to health officials' guidelines related to physical distancing: "My prayers are with the family members of this man. For those with family members in nursing homes, I understand you may be heartbroken to not visit your family members right now, but we must remain vigilant in following CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] health guidelines. Let’s be careful as we open up Texas to protect our most vulnerable population.”

Those exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness — including cough, fever and shortness of breath — to contact their health care providers. However, health officials stress the importance of calling ahead before arriving at a clinic, urgent care or emergency department to avoid potential spread.

For information on the county response to COVID-19, go to www.wilco.org/COVID-19.