Coronavirus: WilCo Count Grows To 211, 6 Deaths

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Health officials said Saturday another five county residents were positively diagnosed with the new coronavirus respiratory illness in the last 24 hours, and a sixth person has died.

The latest person to die of the illness was described as a man in his 70s. Williamson County and Cities Health District officials cited patient privacy laws for the lack of further details.

“We have lost another one of our Williamson County residents to COVID-19," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "To the family, we in Williamson County mourn with you and pray for you during this time of great loss.”

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In addition to the death, the five newly diagnosed cases of coronavirus brings the total to 211. According to data from health officials, there are 7 people hospitalized, and 127 people have recovered from the illness.

The same day of the upgraded illness data, health officials revealed the first confirmed cluster of illness was detected at a nursing home. Upgraded orders related to protocol were issued as a result of the detected cluster that involves some 46 people at the site, officials said.

The upgraded illness count comes 24 hours after the county reached a grim milestone in passing the 200 mark after 24 new cases of the illness were diagnosed — the biggest single-day spike in illness for the county.

Related stories:

• Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count Exceeds 200, 24 New Cases Seen
• Coronavirus: Nursing Home Illness Cluster Found In WilCo
  

Additional data is updated daily on a dashboard located at www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/dashboard.php. Cases in "Other cities in Williamson County" column are a combined total that include cities with populations below 20,000 and unincorporated Williamson to protect the privacy of residents.

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

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