Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Central Texas increase to more than 20,000

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The total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Central Texas since the virus first appeared in the region rose to 20,056 Thursday with the addition of 177 new cases, more than 90 of them in McLennan County.

Additional deaths were reported Thursday in Bell, Hill and Limestone counties.

According to state data Thursday at least 289 area residents diagnosed with the virus have now died, including 84 Bell County residents, three more than the local count of 81; six Bosque County residents; 12 Coryell County residents, two more than the local count of 10; five Falls County residents; two Freestone County residents; four Hamilton County residents; 14 Hill County residents; eight Lampasas County residents; six Leon County residents; 12 Limestone County residents; 101 McLennan County residents, two more than the local count of 99; six Milam County residents, one fewer than the state count of five; 26 Navarro County residents, six fewer than the local count of 32; and three Robertson County residents.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 138 more deaths, raising the statewide death toll to 15,267.

Texas reported 3,840 new cases of the virus Thursday, increasing the state total to 723,919.

Of the total, 66,483 cases were active and 642,169 patients have recovered.

At least 3,204 patients were hospitalized Thursday, up slightly from Wednesday, and in the two Trauma Service Areas that include most of Central Texas, at least 95 were hospitalized, the same as on Wednesday.

More than 5.8 million tests have been administered statewide.

The Lab Test Reported Date clinical positivity rate rose to 8.63% Thursday from 7.75% Wednesday.

Only two of the state’s 254 counties are still free of the virus.

Nursing homes, assisted living centers and State Supported Living Centers in areas where COVID-19 hospitalizations are less than 15% were allowed to reopen for visitation Thursday with certain health protocols in place.

Restaurants, businesses, manufacturing facilities, museums and libraries were allowed to begin operating at 75% capacity Monday, but bars must remain closed under new guidelines Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week. Hospitals in the region may resume elective procedures, as well.

The Texas Education Agency and the state Department of State Health Services have created a website that provides an overview of COVID-19 cases in public schools. District level data is now available.