11th Coronavirus Death Reported In Williamson County

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The eleventh death from the new coronavirus was reported in Williamson County on Tuesday, health officials said. Meanwhile, the illness count grew by five cases in the past 24 hours to 333.

The resident succumbing to the respiratory illness was a man in his 50s, according to Williamson County and Cities Health District officials. Patient privacy provisions prevent officials from released further details.

"It is crippling to get the news that the coronavirus has claimed the life of another one of our residents," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "We stand with those who have lost a loved one to this deadly disease."

The judge urged residents to continue wearing fabric face coverings as a way of mitigating the spread of illness while practicing good hygienic practices: "It is in memory of those who have passed that we should make it a point to follow proper hygiene, consider wearing a face-covering, and try to minimize our exposure to those that are part of our vulnerable community," the judge said in his prepared statement.

Related stories:

• New Coronavirus Cases Up To 328 in WilCo, No New Deaths
• WilCo Judge Under Fire For Violating Own Stay-At-Home Order

Notwithstanding his advice, Gravell himself recently was found violating the very stay-at-home order he signed after being photographed celebrating his grandson's birthday in Jarrell, Texas, donned in firefighter's gear he borrowed from the local fire department. Gravell and his wife were driven to the birthday party by a sheriff's deputy, but Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody has not detailed the need for such a security detail.

County health officials further the advice, urging those exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness — including cough, fever and shortness of breath — to contact their health care providers. However, health officials advised, it's important to call 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.

The Williamson County and Cities Health District dashboard that is updated daily shows 196 people have recovered from the respiratory illnesss. The number of patients currently hospitalized totals 11 while one patient remains on a ventilator.