Following the implementation of expanded testing efforts in several Houston-area counties over the past week, active cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in the area's five most populous counties.

Active case totals across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston and Brazoria counties increased from 5,575 on April 28 to 5,864 on April 30, according to data from public health departments in each of those counties. The size of the increase—289 additional active cases—is comparable to what those counties collectively saw over the preceding six days, when active cases increased from 5,280 on April 22 to 5,575 on April 28.

Harris County, including the city of Houston, confirmed 200 new cases April 30. It was the second day in a row that at least 200 new cases were confirmed in Harris County and the third day in a row that at least 150 new cases were confirmed.

Nine total coronavirus-related deaths were also confirmed April 30, including four in the city of Houston, two in Galveston County, two in Fort Bend County and one in Harris County outside of the city limits.