Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count Crosses 1,700 Mark

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The number of cases of the coronavirus in Williamson County rose by 87 on Thursday, bringing the total count to 1,701. The fatality count remained unchanged at 32.

The data are found on the Williamson County and Cities Health District dashboard updated daily by around 4:30 p.m. According to the site, there are 891 active cases of the respiratory illness across the county. Health officials note that 757 people have recovered since contracting the virus.

The most actives cases in Williamson County are located in:

• Round Rock: 331 cases.
• Georgetown: 173 cases.
• Cedar Park: 133 cases.
• Other: 109 cases.
• Hutto: 58 cases.
• Leander: 55 cases.

The "other" category refers to areas of the county with less than 20,000 population. A county spokesperson told Patch previously that officials aren't legally required to report cases given the small demographic data in those areas. A sliver of Austin within the county boundaries had 54 cases, according to the dashboard.

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In terms of fatalities, the cities with the most reported deaths are:

• Round Rock: 24 deaths.
• Cedar Park: 3 deaths.
• Georgetown: 3 deaths.
• Hutto: 1 death.
• Other: 1.

No deaths have been reported in Leander or in that sliver of Austin, according to the statistical dashboard.

The updated figures emerged on the same day Gov. Greg Abbott moved to temporarily pause the ongoing reopening of the economy — even after numerous businesses have already reopened since May 1. Texas was the second state in the nation to start reopening of its economy, launching its economic re-ignition one week after Georgia.

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In another related measure, Abbott banned all elective surgeries in anticipation of a potential surge in new coronavirus patients who will need to be admitted into hospitals across the state.

Health officials urge those exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness such as 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 illness spread.

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