Hays County announces 2 new COVID-19 cases

Hays County announced two new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total to 18 active cases. The county has seen 24 total cases of the disease with six patients making a recovery. 

All patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are adults. There are three adults currently hospitalized by the illness. 

Seven of the patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus fall between 40-49 years old. Six of the patients are 50-59. Six of the patients are 30-39. Three of the patients are between 20-29 years old and two are 60-69 years old. Females have been the majority of patients who have tested positive — 14, while there have been 10 males who have tested positive.

San Marcos currently has eight active cases and has seen 10 total. Kyle has five current cases and has had eight total. Buda has four active cases and has had five total. Austin, within Hays County, has one active case and two total. Dripping Springs has had one total case. 

Hays County has received 210 negative tests and 17 pending tests. Five of the 24 patients who tested positive for the virus had traveled prior to coming down with symptoms of COVID-19, while 19 had no travel history before becoming ill. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear between 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that people should seek medical attention if they display one or more of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion or inability to arouse; or bluish lips or face. The CDC recommends calling a doctor’s office or emergency room before going. Those who self-isolate with COVID-19 can leave self-isolation if they haven't had a fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers), symptoms have improved and it’s been at least 7 days since symptoms first appeared, according to the CDC.

“Residents with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system and persons over 65 tend to be hardest hit by COVID-19 and should consult their health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms,” Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said.