Hays County had 130 new cases, according to the department, and with 1,599 active cases, follows only Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Fort Bend and Travis counties for the most in the state.
With an estimated 230,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hays County is by far the smallest county as far as population in that group. The other counties listed include the cities of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin. Fort Bend County has more than 800,000 residents.
According to the Hays County Local Health Department, the county now has 2,001 confirmed cases on 8,255 tests administered, or 24.24%. Fifteen are hospitalized, and there have been five deaths.
Seven of the last eight days have had more than 100 new cases, and since June 8, 1,500 new cases have been reported, the HCLHD said.
For months, Kyle had the most cases in the county. Now San Marcos has 1,229 confirmed cases, followed by Kyle with 506. Buda has 175 residents that have tested positive, according to the HCLHD
By age, the 20-29 age group has more than 1,100 cases, followed by 30-39 with 282, the HCLHD said.
County Judge Ruben Becerra enacted a face covering policy for residents and visitors when social distancing cannot be maintained, and many local businesses require masks.
“To state the obvious, COVID-19 is now spreading at an unacceptable rate in Texas, and it must be corralled,” Gov. Greg Abbott said during a June 22 press conference.
While testing positivity rates statewide have doubled from 4.5% in late May to nearly 9% now, “closing Texas down again will always be the last option,” Abbott said.
San Marcos has taken the step of closing 13 of its parks again, beginning June 25.
