Coronavirus: WilCo Reports 45 New Cases, Total Now 1,159

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County health officials on Friday reported 45 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the historical total to 1,159. The fatality count remained unchanged at 32.

According to a statistical dashboard maintained by Williamson County and Cities Heatlh District officials, 647 people have recovered after contracting the virus causing the respiratory illness. There are 16 patients hospitalized, including eight in intensive care and three on ventilators, according to the dashboard data.

Also noted on the dashboard is that 49 percent of hospital beds are currently available, along with 49 percent of ventilators.

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Amid increasing rates of illness — and while surrounding communities implement stricter safeguards related to the wearing of protective face coverings in particular — Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said this week he won't implement similar measures. Gravell issues prepared statements when fatalities from the illness emerge, invariably recommending residents to continue wearing protective masks while maintaining a six-foot buffer with others.

Still, on June Thursday — as the county illness count reached 1,114 cases — Gravell said he would not implement stronger measures to help blunt the spread of illness. The same day he made that announcement, health officials reported two more people in the county — a man in his 60s and another in his 70s — died of coronavirus.

Within the county boundaries, the following is the concentration of illness per city:

• Austin: 74
• Cedar Park: 126
• Georgetown: 171
• Hutto: 76
• Leander: 83
• Round Rock: 494
• Other: 135

The last category covers regions with less than 20,000 population. A county spokesperson previously told Patch officials are precluded from providing data in areas of such small populations.

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For more information on the latest COVID-19 cases count in Williamson County, visit the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) dashboard at www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/dashboard.php.

Those experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as 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.