By Mark Dunphy
Published
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Comal County officials warned Tuesday that extensive community spread of COVID-19 was occurring for the first time in the area.
Comal County officials warned Tuesday that extensive community spread of COVID-19 was occurring for the first time in the area.
Photo: HANDOUT / National Institutes Of Health / AFP Via Getty Images
Photo: HANDOUT / National Institutes Of Health / AFP Via Getty Images
Comal County officials warned Tuesday that extensive community spread of COVID-19 was occurring for the first time in the area.
Comal County officials warned Tuesday that extensive community spread of COVID-19 was occurring for the first time in the area.
Photo: HANDOUT / National Institutes Of Health / AFP Via Getty Images
Comal County officials warned Tuesday that extensive community spread of COVID-19 was occurring for the first time in the area.
The county confirmed 38 new cases and 11 new probable cases, for a total of 240 confirmed and probable cases. More than 20 of the new cases are individuals in their 20s, officials said.
“It’s clear we are seeing a spike in cases driven by a lack of social distancing and the emergence for the first time of widespread community transmission in Comal County,” said Cheryl Fraser, director of public health.
“To protect your health and the health of your loved ones and community, everyone should practice social distancing, wear a face covering if they must go out, and continue frequently washing hands and using hand sanitizer.”
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The majority of both the new and total cases are residents of New Braunfels or the immediate area.
The county’s positivity rate — the percentage of tests with a positive result — now stands at 5.66 percent, up from 4.77 percent on Saturday and 3.81 percent one week ago. Seven residents have died from the virus.
Both Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg have also noted an alarming rise in cases — and hospitalizations — among young people.
On Monday, Guadalupe County officials reported 22 new cases since Friday, bringing the total to 203. Multiple cases were in the same households.
Atascosa County reported two active cases and 45 total cases Monday. Two residents have died from COVID-19.
Hays County reporting 142 new cases Saturday, by far the most the county has reported in a single day.
