Harris County has now confirmed more than 1,300 cases in each of the past three days, and the average number of cases confirmed per day over the last week stands at 1,089.86.
The surge in new cases can be tied in part to a batch of tests conducted earlier in June, the results of which are now coming in. Of the newly reported cases in the city of Houston, 91% were from tests conducted between June 14-22.
A total of 36,465 tests were conducted in Harris County between June 17-23, compared to 21,382 tests conducted between June 10-16 and 23,206 between June 3-9, according to data being compiled by the Texas Department of State Health Services. That data includes both PCR swab tests and antibody tests and cannot be used to provide an accurate picture of what percentage of tests are positive in Harris County.
The case update comes as occupancy rates for intensive care unit beds in the Houston area hit 90%, according to a new report from the Texas Medical Center. The TMC reported hospitalizing 242 patients June 23, the highest daily tally so far. At the current rate of new ICU patients, the medical center estimated it will exceed its base capacity for ICU beds by June 25 and its sustainable surge capacity by July 6.
Another 11 COVID-19 deaths were confirmed June 24 in Harris County, bringing the total to 346.
