Coronavirus: WilCo Illness Count Passes 1,600 Mark, 116 New Cases

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The number of cases of the coronavirus in Williamson County on Wednesday rose by 116 since the day before — the biggest single-day spike on record — in bringing the historical count to 1,614, health officials said.

According to the updated numbers, the death count remained unchanged at 32, but the number of active cases soared to 831 — 99 more than the day before.

The data are compiled in a statistical dashboard maintained by Williamson County and Cities Health District officials. The spikes come amid a "massive outbreak" of illness across the state, as Gov. Greg Abbott has acknowledged. The governor began reopening the state economy on May 1, making Texas the first to do so and cities have seen illness rates and hospitalizations steadily — and in recent days, exponentially — rise ever since.

According to the dashboard, 25 people are currently hospitalized in Williamson County. Among those patients, nine are being treated at intensive care units and four are on ventilators, health officials reported. The upshot: 65 percent of hospital beds currently are available, and 28 percent of available beds.

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Among Williamson County cities, the number of open cases are:

• Round Rock: 294 cases.
• Georgetown: 163 cases.
• Cedar Park: 131 cases.
• Other: 100 cases.
• Hutto: 55 cases.
• Leander: 52 cases.

In response to a query from Patch, a county spokesperson previously explained that the "other" category encompasses areas with less than 20,000 population. Given the small demographic, the spokesperson said county officials aren't legally required to report specific health data.

Related stories:

• Coronavirus: WilCo Cases Nears 1,500 Mark, 87 New Cases
• Coronavirus: Texas Logs Record 5,551 New Cases, 29 More Deaths
  
• Coronavirus: Texas Won't Shut Down Amid Illness Spikes
  

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.