Active coronavirus cases for the previous three-week period rose above 1,000 for the first time since Hays County began releasing that data set in late September.

Active cases have steadily increased since hitting a low of 290 on Oct. 19, although they did see a dip from 1,071 to 1,040 between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

As of Dec. 1, Hays County reported 7,429 lab-confirmed cases of the virus and an additional 892 probable cases.

Three additional deaths were reported Nov. 30, and two more were announced Dec. 1, bringing the total to 104.

In November, Hays County Local Health Department officials expressed concern of a second surge of COVID-19 cases, noting the recent increase in cases mirrored the onset of the surge that occurred earlier this year.

Coronavirus testing was set to hit a milestone this week with nearly 60,000 tests performed to date. An estimated 230,191 people live in Hays County.

The most recent seven-day average for new cases was between Nov. 24-30. During that time period, 281 lab-confirmed cases were reported with 3,807 tests.

The testing positivity rate for the same window of time was 7.38%, which was an increase from 6.09% for the seven-day period ending Nov. 24.

Active hospitalizations of Hays County residents stood at 12 on Dec. 1 and were down from 16 a day earlier.

There have been 434 hospitalizations to date, an increase of 90 since Oct. 1.

COVID-19 at Hays CISD and San Marcos CISD

For the week ending Nov. 29, Hays CISD reported six staff members and six students had tested positive for the virus. Since the school year began, 63 students and 40 staff have tested positive for the virus.

There were three San Marcos CISD staff members and four students who tested positive for the virus in the same time period. Cumulatively, 25 staff members and 31 students have tested positive for the virus this semester.

In mid-November, Hays County Medical Epidemiologist Eric Schneider stated there was no evidence of on-campus spread of the coronavirus and that it was spreading outside of school.

"We're relying on the eyes and ears of the nurses and the staff there because they know exactly what is going on on campus," Schneider said. "We consult with them and work with them, and all evidence is showing that they're not having any spreading that is occurring on campus. It all seems to be from outside activities away from school."