Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count Exceeds 500, 1 More Death

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Another elderly patient has died from the coronavirus in Williamson County, bringing the regional death toll to 20, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The illness count to date rose to 501 — 15 more cases than the previous day.

The latest victim who succumbed to the respiratory illness was a woman in her 90s, acccording to the Williamson County and Cities Health District. Privacy protection laws preclude officials from releasing additional information.

“Another valuable Williamson County resident has left us too soon," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "It is despicable what the virus has done to now 20 people, and there are many more fighting for their lives."

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in the Austin area. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily

Given the latest fatality, Gravell urged residents to continue exercising caution to help blunt the spread of illness: "It’s for them, and all of our citizens that have been impacted by COVID-19 one way or another, that we stress the importance behind social distancing and following proper hygiene guidelines such as wearing a face-covering. This will not be resolved overnight, but I assure you we will get through this united and stronger than before.”

With the latest death, the county reached another grim milestone in crossing the 500-mark in terms of illness with the to-date count now at 501. Of those, 276 people have recovered from the illness and 16 are currently hospitalized, according to health officials.

Related stories:

• Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count 486, No New Deaths
• Texas Bars Slated To Reopen; Restaurant Occupancy Doubled

The health district tallies coronavirus-related statistics on a dashboard found at www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/dashboard.php. Residents also can visit the health district's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCCHD/ for updates. The dashboard information is updated just past noon daily.

Those exhibiting symptoms symptoms of respiratory illness (including cough, fever and shortness of breath) are urged 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.