Coronavirus: 3 More Deaths In WilCo, 18 More Cases

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Three more elderly patients have died of the new coronavirus illness in Williamson County over the past 24 hours, bringing the regional death toll to 19 as reported by health officials. To date, there have been 442 confirmed cases as of Thursday — 18 more than the day before.

The Williamson County and Cities Health District described the latest victims to succumb to the respiratory illness as a man and woman in their 90s and a woman who was more than 100 years old. Health officials are precluded from providing further details due to patient protection rules.

“Losing even just one of our residents was tragic, but nineteen lives lost is far too many," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "As we cope with the passing of members in our community, I want to emphasize the importance behind our continued efforts to protect all senior citizens."

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In spite of the patient privacy guidelines, Gravell suggested the latest fatalities stemmed from nursing home environments. Last month, county officials revealed the discovery of an illness cluster at a nursing home that impacted 46 people.

"The loss of life in our nursing homes where patients have tested positive for COVID-19 has been devastating," Gravell said. "As part of the Wilco family, we must take care of our vulnerable population by loving and supporting them at a distance in order to keep them safe."

Related story: Coronavirus: Williamson County Illness Count Crosses 400 Mark

For additional details on the latest COVID-19 cases count in Williamson County, visit the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) dashboard located at www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/dashboard.php. Updates also are available on the health district's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCCHD/ for updates.

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

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