Between Dec. 1-4, Comal County reported the largest number of cases of COVID-19 in a single week since the beginning of the pandemic. The county has reported 417 confirmed and probable cases and one suspect since Dec. 1, bringing the county total to 4,932 since March 16. Of those cases, 568 are active, 4,233 have recovered and 131 deaths have been reported. Three new deaths were reported this week—a New Braunfels woman in her 80s who passed away on Nov. 25, a New Braunfels man in his 80s who also passed away on Nov. 25 and a New Braunfels woman in her 70s who passed away on Nov. 12.

Hospitalizations are also at the highest rates since early September with 36 county residents currently hospitalized, though not all are being treated in county hospitals. County hospitals reported caring for 44 COVID-19 patients, eight of which are in intensive care and five are on ventilators. As of Dec. 4, Comal County’s seven-day positivity rate reached 20.46%, the highest it has ever been. A total of 37,302 tests have been reported to the county since March 16, 3,430 of which were confirmed positive, 1,498 were probable and four were suspect. Residents wishing to be tested can call the county’s hotline at 830-221-1120 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment. Testing is conducted on Tuesday and Friday.