The Hays County Local Health Department reports 229 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 51 recoveries Dec. 16, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 8,569, total active cases to 1,203 and recoveries to 7,253. The county reports the total active cases in the past 21 days is 1,535.

San Marcos, Kyle and Buda have 302, 419 and 254 active cases, respectively.

According to Epidemiologist Eric Schneider, the total number of received negative tests in the county is now 62,379. The total number of hospitalizations is 465 and total current hospitalizations is 16 after zero people were hospitalized and zero were discharged. The total number of fatalities in the county is 113.

The University Star will continue to provide COVID-19 updates as any additional information is released.

Individuals concerned about possible exposure to COVID-19 are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or the Hays County Local Health Department at 512.393.5520. For additional information about COVID-19, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services or the Centers for Disease Control website.

The University Star’s COVID-19 coverage can be found here.