Bastrop County sees spike in COVID-19 cases along with another death

BASTROP, Texas - From less than 100 cases to now more than 200. For the month of May, Bastrop County is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases and is also reporting its third death. “When somebody dies it really hits home,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes the Bastrop county local health authority.

Dr. Walkes tells FOX 7 Austin part of the reason for the increase isn’t just because testing has increased. “I also think that we are seeing the impact of some of the recent calendar events like Mother’s Day, Easter where historically we get together with friends and loved ones,” said Dr. Walkes.

SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS

As cases increase so do recoveries.

The county reported 85 on Friday. Dr. Walkes said the county is ready to follow the state when it comes to reopening. “This is going to be a challenge for us going forward we’ve been successful in flattening the curve by doing social distancing and wearing face covers,” said Dr. Walkes.

The county isn’t the only one that is ready to reopen. “It’s exciting, we’re having fun, the guys are having fun helping people out for a good meal,” said Benny Drozd with the Knights of Columbus.

Drozd said they had a lot of fish for lent but had to put the Friday fish fries on hold when the pandemic hit. “We had it in the freezer and so we waited for a little after the governor said it was ok for restaurants to start serving and we waiting a few weeks and decided to go ahead and try it and see how it was going to do,” said Drozd.

When it comes to reopening the county reports they are in a good position to do so as far as supplies like testing kits however what they said they lack are volunteers with medical backgrounds to help administer those tests.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

---

FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.