WilCo Reports 96 New Coronavirus Cases, 1 Additional Death

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Health district officials in Williamson County reported 96 more cases of the coronavirus and an additional death, raising the cumulative total to 11,084 diagnoses and 159 fatalities.

The data were recorded on a statistical dashboard maintained by the Williamson County and Cities Health District. According to the dashboard, 49 county residents were currently hospitalized, with an estimated 367 active cases.

According to the data, Round Rock has had the greatest number of cumulative cases with 3,036, followed by Georgetown with 1,868. Cedar Park has had 938 confirmed cases to date, followed by Hutto and Leander, with 681 and 608 cases, respectively.

The dashboard also includes a count of 665 cases for the portion of Austin within Williamson County's jurisdiction, and another 1,325 cases under the category of "other" encompassing communities with less than 20,000 population. Given the small size of those cities, health officials have previously explained they are not compelled to identify the affected municipalities.

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The Williamson County and Cities Health District last week elevated the county's alert level to orange, signifying high community spread of illness. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Williamson County now ranks 19th in the state for cumulative coronavirus cases, and 23rd in terms of fatalities to date.

Despite the upward illness trends, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell suggested the governor's guidance supersedes the county's in explaining his decision not to enact a stay-at-home order for the county. "The Williamson County and Cities Health District makes recommendations based on the COVID-19 transmission rate to help residents understand the risks," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a prepared statement. "The guidelines are suggested for planning, but are not requirements. Local guidance may be superseded by an executive order from Governor Abbott."