WilCo Reaches 'Uncontrolled Community Spread' Of COVID-19

Round Rock TX

20 July, 2021

11:26 AM

Description

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County has moved into the red phase of it COVID-19 risk-based guidelines as cases begin to rise in the area. The phase, which went into effect Monday, is labeled as uncontrolled community spread and is achieved when there has been no decline in cases over 14 days, an incidence rate is above 12.7 per 100,000 people, testing positivity rate is above 15 percent during the past 14 days and hospitalization has not declined over 14 days. The Williamson County and Cities Health District reports Monday the incidence rate was at 14.54 per 100,000 people, which has more than doubled in the past week, and has increased 6.5 times since the end of June. Corrected Image: Effective today, Williamson County has entered COVID-19 phase Red. For more information, you can learn more at the link below.https://t.co/EgaGI0abIK https://t.co/nirGkMIU7d— Williamson County (@wilcogov) July 19, 2021 Authorities said the TSA Region O hospitalization has also increased daily in the past week, which is the second criteria for moving up a phase. Hospitalization rate remains fairly low at 4.65 percent, but has more than doubled in the past 14 days. Age ranges with the most cases are those 18-30 years, followed by those 31-50 years. On Friday, Williamson County reported 306 new coronavirus cases, two deaths and one case removed bringing the total cases to 40,957 and deaths to 486. This data met the criteria to the new phase change, officials said. Authorities said the color-based Phase Guidelines are not changes to local rules or regulations for businesses; however, they are guidelines for individual actions and behaviors based on levels of risk of exposure in the community. "It is important to note that everyone should continue to follow any additional requirements of local businesses, venues, and schools regardless of vaccination status or stage," health officials said. With the rapid increase of new cases, Williamson County officials are recommending residents to follow these guidelines, regardless of vaccination status: Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19.Stay at least 6 feet from others who don't live with you.Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 infection. To find a vaccine location near you, visit www.vaccines.gov, or text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish, or call 833-832-7067 for a referral to a local vaccine provider. RELATED COVERAGE: Former WilCo Sheriff Robert Chody Drops Lawsuit Against Gleason Austin-Travis County Moves Back To Stage 3 COVID-19 Guidelines 4 Died In Williamson County During Winter Storm: Texas DSHS