Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count Nears 600, 1 New Death

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Officials on Thursday said another person has died of the coronavirus in Williamson County, bringing the total fatality count to 23. During the same 24-hour period, the illness count to date grew by eight in bringing the total to 596, according to health officials.

The latest victim to succumb to respiratory illness was a man in his 70s, officials said in an emailed advisory. Privacy laws related to patients preclude health officials from providing further details.

“Our hearts are with the family who lost their loved one due to this deadly disease," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "As the state and the County continue the process of reopening businesses to the public, we must remain vigilant and take every measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Remember not doing so could result in more precious lives lost.”

Williamson County and Cities Health District officials provide updated information on coronavirus in the county on a statistical dashboard located at www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/dashboard.php. The dashboard information is updated daily.

The statistical dashboard had been updated each day by 12:30 p.m. since its creation until this week. Patch reached out to Williamson County and Cities Health District spokesperson Deb Strahler on Wednesday after noticing the dashboard had not been updated by midday, learning the site now will be updated by around 4:30 each day "...to report the end of the day activity vs. prior day activity mid-day," the spokesperson wrote in an email.

Residents exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness — including cough, fever, and shortness of breath — are urged to contact their health care providers. While issuing the recommendation, health officials stress the importance of calling ahead before arriving at a clinic, urgent care or emergency department to avoid further spreading the illness.

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