Montgomery County recorded 71 new COVID-19 cases June 19—the county's highest single-day case increase yet—alongside 40 new active cases, according to a daily update from the county public health district and emergency management office.

The county's 34th coronavirus-related death, a Conroe woman in her 50s who died in a hospital, was also announced June 19.

The county has now recorded 1,555 COVID-19 cases this year, including 604 that are currently active and 917 recoveries. The county had reported a total of 1,484 cases, including 564 active and 887 recovered, as of June 18. In their daily update, county officials noted the single-day record case increase and urged residents to follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The county said yesterday that the disease appears to be spreading faster than ever in the area. Those who feel ill should stay home, officials said, and anyone believing they were exposed to the disease should self-isolate for 14 days. Those who may have been exposed but are not symptomatic can be tested for the disease, officials said.

The county's COVID-19 call center at 936-523-5040 remains open for general questions or for registration in the ongoing free testing voucher program. The line is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.