Three coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed in Harris County outside of the city of Houston May 6, include the first death of an inmate being housed at the Harris County Jail.
The inmate, a man between the ages of 50-60, had previously tested positive for COVID-19 and had several preexisting conditions, according to a news release from the Harris County Sheriff's Office. His name and other identifying information are not being released in compliance with privacy rules, according to the release.
Of the 1,115 inmates who have been tested for COVID-19 at the jail, 601 have tested positive. Fourteen of those inmates are hospitalized, according to the release.
New confirmed cases in the Greater Houston area increased by 199 on May 6 while recoveries increased by 141. On top of the three deaths in Harris County, the city of Houston also confirmed three deaths, and Fort Bend County confirmed two deaths.
The total number of COVID-19 patients in Greater Houston area hospitals continued to trend down, according to data from the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. Confirmed and suspected patients in general beds fell from 578 on May 4 to 466 on May 5, and confirmed and suspected patients in intensive care unit beds fell from 304 on May 4 to 251 on May 5.
