In a press release issued June 18, the Guadalupe County Office of Emergency Management reported the first COVID-19 death in the county was a New Braunfels resident. No other details about the death were made public at that time.
Guadalupe County also reported 23 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the county's total to 231.
As of June 18, Guadalupe County has 53 residents with active cases of the coronavirus. Three residents are still hospitalized.
In Comal County, 19 new cases were reported June 18, which brings the countywide total to 277.
Seven deaths have been reported by the county, and there were 119 residents with active cases of the virus as of June 18.
One hospitalized Comal County resident has been discharged, but five others are still being treated in hospitals. A recent rise in cases in Comal County began June 9 and increased the case count by 156.
The positivity rate for COVID-19 testing in Comal County from June 1-18 was 10.4%.
The majority of the cases reported from both counties in that time period were New Braunfels residents. Of the 264 cases reported across both counties, 148 were in New Braunfels, or 56%. New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman issued a statement to residents June 17.
"Wearing a mask when out in public, washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, practicing social distancing, and using proper cough etiquette are things we can and should all be doing," Brockman said. "Following these simple guidelines can have a major impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community."
A number of businesses in New Braunfels have voluntarily reported when employees test positive for COVID-19, as well at the measures they have taken to protect staff and employees.
However, there were several instances when businesses have tried to fly under the radar, leading to speculation among residents due to a lack of transparency.
As of June 18, businesses were not required by the state to announce when employees test positive.
Brockman's statement included direction for local business owners.
"Businesses also have a responsibility to help curb the transmission in their establishments," Brockman said. "They must follow the protocols issued by the Governor and any additional requirements from their licensing agency. It’s imperative that they provide a safe and healthy environment for their patrons and for their employees."
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 2,062 deaths across the state have been related to the coronavirus as of June 18.
