Comal County Warns of Rapid Increase in COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations
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Comal County confirmed 52 new cases of COVID-19 and 21 additional probable cases on Tuesday, for a total of 419 cases reported since the pandemic began.
“We are seeing rapid increases in both cases and hospitalizations,” said Cheryl Fraser, director of public health. “I cannot stress enough the importance that everyone in Comal County wear a face covering in public, avoid congregating in large groups, and continue washing their hands frequently.”
Comal County’s positivity rate – the percentage of tests with a positive result – is now 8.21 percent, up from 7.11 percent on Saturday and 5.66 percent one week ago. It’s the highest rate Comal County has seen since April 14.
Of the 73 newly reported cases, 51 are residents of the New Braunfels area, 19 are Bulverde/Spring Branch-area residents, one lives north of Canyon Lake, one is south of Canyon Lake, and one lives in the Garden Ridge area. Ages range from under 18 to their 80s, although a plurality of cases is residents in their 20s.
The county also confirmed 25 more recoveries from COVID-19, for a total of 191. With seven deaths, the county now has 221 active confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases. The county also confirmed five additional hospitalizations, bringing the total to 13.
Tuesday’s Statistics
- 5,103 tests conducted
- 332 confirmed cases
- 87 probable cases
Location Breakdown
- 314 from the New Braunfels area, including eastern and central Comal County
- 58 from western Comal County, including Bulverde and Spring Branch
- 18 from north of Canyon Lake, including Fischer
- 15 from south of Canyon Lake
- 12 from southern Comal County, including Garden Ridge and Schertz
- 2 from Fair Oaks Ranch
Residents wishing to be tested for COVID-19 can call the county’s dedicated hotline, 830-221-1120, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Probable case definition
“Probable cases” is a category established by the Texas Department of State Health Services to describe those who do not have a positive PCR test for COVID-19, but meet two of the following three criteria:
- A positive quick-result antigen test
- Experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case
A probable case is treated identically to a confirmed case and counts toward the county’s positivity rate and total case tally.
