Williamson County investigating second COVID-19 cluster at another nursing home

GEORGETOWN, Texas - Williamson County is investigating a second cluster of COVID-19 cases in a nursing home, after another nursing home was reported to have a cluster earlier this month.

County Judge Bill Gravell gave an update on both clusters during a commissioner's court meeting online.

"We are currently working on a potential outbreak in a second nursing home as we speak," Gravell said. "Our health district is working really hard and we've involved the State Department of Health and Human Services to help with that particular nursing home in Round Rock."

RELATED: Williamson County: 78% increase in coronavirus cases over 10-day period

For the first cluster, now revealed to be at a Round Rock nursing home, Gravell says 50 people tested positive for COVID-19. Eighteen are employees and the rest are residents.

"Most of them were asymptomatic however the medical team tells me that they about 25 percent will become symptomatic to the point three of them have been transferred and are now in the hospital," Gravell said.

RELATED: Williamson County opens up free COVID-19 testing as area sees spike in cases at nursing home

The two clusters are happening just as Texas is getting ready to reopen certain businesses, including malls, retail stores, restaurants and movie theaters.

"Our guys are working really hard and I'm optimistic with the rules the governor laid out but our number one priority all along is to protect our senior citizens," Gravell said.

RELATED: Williamson County Commissioners upset with Sheriff Robert Chody over new “Live PD” deal

For now, the county is working to open more free testing sites with the help of a private company, with a goal of performing about 6,000 tests in the coming weeks.

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