An additional 17 deaths caused by the virus were confirmed in Harris County, including a Black man in his 20s with underlying health conditions. The overall death total hit 805, with the vast majority of deaths—78%—occurring in individuals ages 60 and older. Of the confirmed deaths in Harris County, a total of 27 have been individuals under the age of 40.
Officials in the city of Houston have noted continued lower numbers of people being tested at the city's two largest sites, expressing concerns about the trend in an Aug. 5 tweet.
The number of patients with COVID-19 in Harris County hospitals fell on Aug. 5. However, in Texas Medical Center hospitals specifically, base intensive care unit occupancy became full once again after briefly being just under 100% on Aug. 4.Fewer people are taking advantage of our free #COVID19 mega testing sites. We fear people see declining hospital numbers and think we're out of the woods. We're not. Getting tested empowers you to protect your family. 832-393-4220 https://t.co/zEVXZTgKpo#hounews #BetterTogether pic.twitter.com/jRpTBUuzT4
— Houston Health Dept (@HoustonHealth) August 5, 2020
The overall number of COVID-19 patients in general wards fell from 1,206 to 1,152 on Aug. 5, while the number in ICUs fell from 599 to 574, according to the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. The percent of ICU patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 is now at 36.2%.
