County reports 9 new cases

The Hays County Local Health Department reported nine new COVID-19 lab-confirmed positive cases Monday, along with 10 more now considered recovered.

The total number of COVID-19 lab confirmed cases in Hays County is 176, with 110 of those affected already recovered and out of quarantine, up from 100 on May 3. There are 65 active cases. Total hospitalizations to date remain at 16, with five persons currently hospitalized. Current negative tests are now at 1,699 with 17 pending.

Sixteen residents have been hospitalized from COVID-19, including five current hospitalizations. The county has only reported one COVID-19-related fatality — a woman in her 80s who had been living in Buda with a relative. 

Kyle has had 78 total cases and 33 active cases. San Marcos has had 53 total cases and currently has 17 active cases. Buda has recorded 23 total cases and has four active cases. Dripping Springs has tallied six total cases and has three active cases. Wimberley has had seven total cases and currently has four active cases. Austin, within Hays County, has had four total cases and has one active case. Driftwood has had two total cases, while Niederwald, Bear Creek and Uhland each have one active case.

According to the county, only 10 patients who tested positive for the illness had traveled before becoming sick, while 166 residents had no travel history before becoming symptomatic. 

Forty-three patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are between 30-39 years old. Thirty-five residents fall in the 50-59-year-old age range. Thirty-two residents fall in the 20-29 year old age range. Twenty-nine people diagnosed with the disease are 40-49 years old. Seventeen patients are 60-69 years old, eight are 70-79 years old, four are 80 and older, six are between 10-19 years old and two are 9 years old or younger.

One-hundred-eight females and 68 males have been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Friday that 32,332 Texans have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and there have been 884 fatalities. The DSHS estimates that 16,090 Texans have recovered from the disease. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear between 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The Centers 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.