Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count Grows To 565, 1 More Death

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — One more person has died of the new coronavirus illness, officials reported on Monday, bringing the total death toll to 22. The total illness count to date has grown to 565 while 325 have recovered from the respiratory ailment.

The latest person to die of the virus was a woman in her 80s, according to Williamson County and Cities Health District. Given patient privacy provisions, health officials are precluded from releasing additional details.

“Today, we are saddened by the news of another life lost too soon to the coronavirus," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "On this Memorial Day, as we honor the men and women who have courageously fought and died in our nation's military, let us also remember the people who have lost their lives fighting COVID-19."

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Gravell urged residents to continue taking measures outlined by health officials to help blunt the spread of further illness: "All lives are precious. I urge you to take the steps necessary to protect more lives, particularly the most vulnerable among us, and follow health officials recommendations to wash hands often, avoid close contact with people outside your home, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth face-covering, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.”

Health officials update the public on regional coronavirus trends on a dashboard found at www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/dashboard.php. Information on the dashboard is updated just past noon daily.

Health officials urge those exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness —including cough, fever, and shortness of breath — to contact their health care providers. However, health offiicals 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.