Houston-area coronavirus count: Two days with no new deaths in Houston

In an April 21 press conference, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said April 20-21 marked the first instance in which the city reported back-to-back days without any deaths. The greatest number of deaths recorded by the city in one day so far was five, which were confirmed April 14.

The city of Houston confirmed 20 new cases April 21, the smallest daily increase since testing was expanded earlier this month.

"We'll take that for today," Turner said. "Tomorrow it could be different, but hopefully not."

Harris County confirmed one new death outside of the city of Houston April 21, and Fort Bend and Galveston counties each confirmed one new death as well. Total deaths in the Houston area's five most populous counties—Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Montgomery and Brazoria—stands at 126, up from 123 on April 20.

Active cases fell slightly in Fort Bend, Brazoria and Glaveston counties April 21, indicating more recoveries were confirmed that day than new cases. Active cases in Fort Bend County dropped from 696 to 693, the first recorded decrease.

Brazoria County's active case count stands at 151 after fluctuating around 140-160 over the past week. Galveston County's stands at 241 after fluctuating around 230-250 over the past week.