Hays County reports 4 new COVID-19 cases, negative results increase

The Hays County Local Health Department reported four new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, increasing the total to 147. 

Hays County currently has 75 active cases of the disease — a two case decrease from Wednesday. There was a massive increase in negative test results on Thursday, which the county attributes to a backlog in the Texas Department of State Health Services' electronic reporting system. Hays County has now received 1,141 negative test results — an increase of 325 from the previous day. There are currently nine pending test results. 

Seventy-five county residents have recovered from COVID-19. There have been 14 hospitalizations because of the virus, including four current hospitalizations. One county resident  — a woman in her 80s who had been living in Buda with a relative  — has died from the disease, which was reported on April 13.

Kyle has had 64 total coronavirus cases and 39 active cases.San Marcos has seen 46 total cases, including 19 active cases Buda has recorded 18 total cases and has four active cases. Austin, within Hays County, has had four total cases and has one active case. Dripping Springs has tallied six total cases and has four active cases. Wimberley has six total active cases. Driftwood has had two total cases and has one active case, while Niederwald has one active case. 

According to the county, only 10 patients who tested positive for the disease had traveled before becoming sick, while 137 residents had no travel history before becoming symptomatic.

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

Eighty-nine females and 58 males have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in Hays County.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Thursday that 21,994 Texans have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 561 have died because of the disease. The DSHS estimates that 8.025 Texans have made a recovery. 

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.