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Central Texas COVID-19 Live Updates | Texas salons to open May 8, gyms open May 18

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CENTRAL, Texas — Editor's Note: This story will be continuously updated.

Previous updates | Central Texas Cases | Latest COVID-19 news

TUESDAY, MAY 5

6:00 P.M.

The Cove Cares Senior Meal Delivery Program initiative began on March 23 and will end after deliveries on Friday, May 8.

Sponsored by multiple entities to care for our seniors during the COVID-19 restrictions, the program focused on providing meals to eligible Copperas Cove residents and those who qualified with the Copperas Cove Meals on Wheels program. While the data is not yet finalized, the City estimates that by the end of this week there will have been approximately 16,855 meals prepared and delivered to an average of 482 participants per day, over a 7-week period, at an estimated total cost of $48,088.

The program recognized and thanked the many program sponsors for their dedication and support of the program: Atmos Energy Corporation, the City of Copperas Cove, Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce, Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation, Copperas Cove Independent School District, Copperas Cove Ministerial Alliance, Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter, Hill Country Community Action Association, Jonas & Lessly Titas, Oncor Electric Delivery, and Star Group -Veterans Helping Veterans

Any citizens who meet the below Older American’s Act (OAA) Criteria and would be interested in receiving frozen meals via Hill County Community Action Association’s Meals on Wheels Program should call (254)547-6022 to register:

1. Must be at least 60+ years of age

2. Must be homebound (unable to drive)

3. The spouse of a 60+ years of age person who is receiving meals

4. Disabled and live with a 60+ years of age person who is receiving meals

5. Must live within a 2-mile radius outside the City limits of the town in which the Senior Center is located

4:00 P.M.

The Texas National Guard, in partnership with McLennan County, the City of Waco and the City of Bellmead, will offer free drive-through COVID-19 testing sites on Friday, May 8 at two locations in McLennan County.

The City of Waco testing site will be at the Waco Fire Station #5, located at 4515 Bagby Ave. The City of Bellmead testing site will be at the Bellmead Civic Center, located at 3900 Parrish St.

Testing will be done by appointment only. Visit www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400 to register for an appointment. Registration will open on Thursday, May 7. Participants will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms during registration.

2:45 P.M.

Gov. Abbott spoke on the Texas COVID-19 response Tuesday.

Abbott said, that the amount of testing that is going on is on the rise in Texas. He said that explains the rate of increased cases in the state. More people are able to get tested, therefore more cases are known to the public.

He said that although cases are on the rise, the number of hospitalizations has remained the same on average.

The total active increased to 15,358 in the state.

"Even though more people are testing positive, the hospitalization rate has remained steady or is steadily declining," Abbott said.

Abbot said the state, residents, and healthcare workers have been effective in stopping the spread of the virus.

Abbott reiterated that the positive test rate is going down in Texas. It has gone from 15.52 percent to 5.67 percent of a positive percentage rate.

He emphasized that these positive results are a result of one thing, safe practices such as social distancing, wearing masks, avoiding direct contact and public spaces and sanitizing.

Abbott said there is still is no cure for COVID-19 and if Texans stop using these safe strategies, it will lead to more COVID-19 cases.

Funerals, memorials, burials, and weddings will now use the same guidelines as church services with limited seating arrangements.

Starting Friday, May 8, hair, nail, and tanning salons, along with barbershops can open with certain restrictions. Gyms will also be able to open May 18, with specific sanitizing guidelines. Showers and locker rooms must still remain closed.

For more information and all the details about the press conference, click here.

1:45 P.M.

St. Joseph Health and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory have partnered to offer increased accessibility to COVID-19 testing for the community through the TVMDL lab at the Texas A&M University campus. Tests conducted at TVMDL will require a physician order.

This testing site is not open to the public. This collaboration does, however, permit the lab to conduct tests in a timelier manner, which allows for patient results to be delivered faster.

"I am extremely proud of the work our St. Joseph Health laboratory staff has done along with TVMDL to get this sophisticated molecular testing started,” said Michael Cohen, M.D. Medical Director of Laboratories and Chair of Pathology Department for CHI St. Joseph Health and Managing Director of Brazos Valley Pathology. “This will allow us to provide timely, high volume diagnostic testing locally to care for our patients and support our community.”

10:30 A.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported the 17th coronavirus related death and 10 additional positive cases of COVID-19 bringing the total in the county to 219.

The person who died was a women in her 90s who was hospitalized outside of Brazos County, the district reported.

The district also said the CDC had changed its definition of recovered.

Recovered is defined as someone who has been fever-free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medications, and it has been 10 days after onset of symptoms. It is no longer 7 days after onset of symptoms.

Brazos County is reporting 115 people have recovered.

9:00 A.M.

Over the first weekend of May 2020, Texas health officials reported the greatest two consecutive day gains in the number of new COVID–19 cases, with more than 2,000 new cases added on May 2 and May 3.

There were 1,293 new cases of the virus reported Saturday. That’s the second greatest single day gain since the pandemic began.

However, the number of cases in McLennan County did not increase over the weekend. Bell County cases went from 174 on Thursday to 193 on Monday.

On April 10, the state recorded 1,441 new cases. (KVUE) Read the full story here

7:00 A.M.

Gov. Greg Abbott said he would hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. We will stream the update here and on Facebook and on the 6 News YouTube page.

Key Updates

South Korea has reported its lowest daily increase in coronavirus cases since Feb. 18
As governments race to develop mobile tracing apps to help contain infections, attention is turning to how officials will ensure users’ privacy.
From Monday: Worldwide COVID-19 death toll passes 250,000

MONDAY, MAY 4

6:00 P.M.

Some students returned to Texas State Technical College's Waco campus on Monday to a new way of class, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The students who returned will take intensive labs to complete the spring semester, which is projected to end May 29. The return to on-campus instruction is authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which has identified career and technical education as an area of education that can continue under Gov. Greg Abbott's Executive Order No. GA-16. Programs must meet guidelines from the CDC.

"I am excited to welcome back our students to the Waco campus," said Interim Provost Patti Tate. "I cannot wait to see the different face coverings that our students have made or purchased. We have a creative student body, and I know they will not disappoint."

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to their website.

5:00 P.M.

Grande Communications announced that it will extend its commitments through June 30 to ensure business and residential customers stay connected to the internet during the COVID-19 crisis.

The following commitments that will now be extended through June 30, according to Grande Communications:

Grande is offering free internet and WiFi for 60 days to all qualifying low-income households, especially students in low-income households who do not already subscribe to the company’s internet service and who enroll in the Internet First program.
- The Internet First program is affordable internet designed to help families and students in low-income households to have reliable access to the internet. It will enable them to home school, do homework, and access educational resources and more. Grande is partnering with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of the program’s extension and the tools to help students learn remotely.
- The Internet First program includes 25Mbps high-speed internet service at $9.95 per month and is available to all eligible new residential customers who do not currently have Grande service. Installation fees will be waived for eligible students and new customers.
- More information on Internet First is available at mygrande.com/internet-first.
Grande will not terminate service to any residential or business customer because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. Customers can reach out to make special arrangements to keep services active.
Grande will waive any late fees that any residential or small business customer might normally incur because of their economic circumstance related to COVID-19.

“Now, more than ever, keeping people connected is a critical priority,” Chief Operating Officer of Grande Communications Chris Fenger said. “In extending these measures, Grande will continue to help ensure that customers are able to continue to work, learn, and stay informed from the safety of their own homes. We are committed and ready to do our part in supporting our employees and our customers during this time.”

Grande is also supporting the broader communities it services with its newly launched Everyday Hero program. Residents are invited to nominate a local hero in their community via the website mygrande.com/localhero. In the coming weeks, the company will launch its partnership with Feeding America to donate 10% of installation fees for 30 days.

For details on all Grande programs and additional updates on the company’s response to COVID-19, visit mygrande.com/we-care.

9:30 A.M.

Ascension Providence, in conjunction with Carter BloodCare, is offering plasma therapy as part of an investigational treatment for very sick hospitalized patients currently battling COVID-19.

In order to provide the treatment, the health system is asking for plasma donations from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and meet certain additional criteria.

Donors must meet the standard required screening criteria for blood donation in addition to both of the following criteria from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

Prior diagnosis of COVID-19 that is documented by an FDA-approved laboratory test
Complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days before donation and a documented FDA-approved negative COVID-19 test or complete resolution of symptoms at least 28 days before new

Anyone interested in donating can call Ascension Providence at 254-537-6850.

8:30 A.M.

The Texas Transportation Commission approved $1.31 million for the McGregor Executive Airport at its April meeting.

The approved funds will be used for planned airport improvements, including design/construct pavement improvements and the work is expected to begin in the spring.

The project cost will be funded through the city of McGregor and TxDOT's Aviation Facilities Grant Program. The airport in McGregor is one of 275 community airports eligible for the funding.

SUNDAY, MAY 3

3:30 P.M.

Brazos County will host a mobile COVID-19 test site sponsored by the state on Thursday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo Center, 5827 Leonard Rd. in Bryan.

Testing is available by appointment only and priority testing will be given to people with no symptoms (screening will take place), healthcare workers, first responders, those over the age of 65 and those exposed to a COVID-19 case.

Testing is limited to 120 total tests. Appointments are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Registration opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 6. To register, visit txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.

3:15 P.M.

Registration begins today for those looking to get tested for COVID-19 at the state-sponsored mobile test collection event in Coryell County May 4.

The testing is free, but community members must meet screening criteria and must register to receive an appointment time.

Those hoping to get tested will be screened for symptoms including:

Fever and/or chills
Cough (dry/productive)
Fatigue
Body aches/muscle or joint pain
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Headaches
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Nasal congestion
Loss of taste and/or smell

The test collection site will be at Copperas Cove Fire Station #2, 2401 FM 1113 in Copperas Cove. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 4.

To register visit txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-5400.

RELATED: Two coronavirus testing sites to open in Bell County

3:05 P.M.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19 in the county Sunday afternoon. The total number of cases to date is 91.

78 cases have recovered and four have died. Nine cases remain active with one hospitalized and in critical condition.

81 people are being actively monitored, including positive cases and their close contacts.

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3:00 P.M.

The City of Copperas Cove reported an additional two COVID-19 cases Sunday afternoon, for a total of 19 cases in the city.

The new cases include a woman in her 70s who is currently hospitalized and a woman in her 30s who is in self-quarantine.

From the 19 cases, six have recovered and two have died. 11 cases remain active in Copperas Cove and three of them are hospitalized.

2:55 P.M.

No new cases of COVID-19 were reported Sunday by the Brazos County Health District. The total number of cases is left sitting at 208, with 115 recoveries and 16 deaths.

77 cases remain active and four of those are hospitalized.

The county reported that a total of 3,805 tests have been performed.

SATURDAY, MAY 2

3:30 P.M.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19, leaving the total number of cases at 91.

77 cases have recovered and 4 have died. 10 cases remain active and two of those are hospitalized. 82 people are being monitored, including positive cases and their close contacts.

2:35 P.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported six new COVID-19 cases in the county, for a total of 208 cases.

From those cases, 115 have recovered and 16 have died. 77 cases remain active, with four of those hospitalized.

The county reported that a total of 3,805 tests have been performed.

Around Texas

Across the U.S.

FRIDAY, MAY 1

9:55 P.M.

Coryell County announced that it will have a free COVID-19 mobile test collection event hosted by state agencies on May 4.

The event will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gatesville Civic Center in Gatesville. Tests are conducted by appointment only, so those interested in getting a free test must register online at txcovidtest.org or by phone at 512-883-2400.

Those interested will be screened to see if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.

3:05 P.M.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health Department reported two new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases to 91.

74 cases recovered and four have died. 13 cases remain active with three of them hospitalized and one in critical condition.

83 people are being actively monitored, including positive cases and their close contacts.

11:10 A.M.

The Groesbeck Fire Department said a drive-thru COVID-19 they opened Friday was a "tremendous success."

According to a Facebook post, 59 people were tested.

They expected to have the results sometime next week between Monday and Wednesday.

11:00 A.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported five additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total in the county to 202.

91 people have recovered and 16 have died.

Around Texas

Around the U.S.

10 A.M.

Coryell Health launched the use of a remote monitoring system for patients who have been diagnosed or are suspected of having COVID-19.

A press release from the hospital said SafetyNet sends data back to medical providers through a digital sensor on the patient's wrist.

It tracks vital information like blood oxygen levels, breathing rates and heartbeat.

Coryell Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeffery Bates said the hospital is one of the first in Texas to launch the remote monitoring program.

For more information about SafetyNet, call 254-865-2166.

8:00 A.M.

A Killeen man who spent several weeks in the ICU at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon.

James Warnock is a retired Navy mechanical engineer. He is the medical center's first hospitalized COVID-19 patient to be released.

After battling the virus for several weeks, Warnock exited the elevators to the atrium, where a small entourage of hospital staff were waiting to send him off with well-wishes. They celebrated his victory over the illness by clapping and cheering.

7:00 A.M.

Texas will partially reopen in phase one of Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to gradually reopen the state. Some restaurants, malls, retail stores and movie theaters will reopen at a reduced capacity, but bars, gyms, nail salons and other businesses are not allowed to reopen.

If you plan on going to a restaurant, you can expect to see some changes such as disposable menus and no condiments on the tables. Retail stores will also roll out recommendations for customers such as staying six feet away from others and wearing a face-covering or mask.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Senator John Cornyn announced public housing authorities in the Waco, Temple Killeen areas will receive a combined $1.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

The funding comes through the Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the CARES Act, which was signed into law last month, under the Supplemental Public Housing Operating Funds program, which helps prevent, prepare, and respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic in public housing.

The Housing Authority of the City of Waco will get the most funding at more than $552,000.

2:45 P.M.

The number of positive cases of coronavirus in Coryell County increased by 50 to a total of 155, according to the office of County Judge Roger Miller.

The biggest reason for the increase was due to the number inmates at the Gatesville prison which increased from 63 to 111.

According to a report from Miller's office, all of the positive cases in the prison are women.

So far, 11 people in the county have recovered. Two people, both of whom lived in Copperas Cove, have died.

2:00 P.M.

2:00 P.M.

The Limestone Emergency Management free drive-thru for COVID-19 is open today at the Groesbeck Fire Department. More details are on the Limestone Emergency Management Facebook page.

Limestone County Emergency Management

This Afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 79. West northwest wind arou... nd 5 mph. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 57. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Copperas Cove will have a mobile testing site on May 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It will be at Copperas Cove Fire Station #2.

The tests will be by appointment only. Only those who have certain symptoms will receive an appointment time.

The symptoms include, fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath, sore throat, headaches, nausea, nasal congestion and loss of taste and/or smell.

Registration online begins no earlier than Sunday at 8 a.m. Appointments can also be made by calling 512-883-2400.

11:40 A.M.

The Greater Austin Merchants Cooperative Association announced it donated $25,000 to the Central Texas Food Bank.

The money will provide 200,000 meals to Central Texans through the Central Texas Food Bank's network of partner agencies in 21 counties, GAMA said.

11:20 A.M.

The Brazos County Public Health District said the number of cases increased by four to 197. Ninety people have recovered.

The number of people who had died remained at 16.

Health Promotion Manager for the district Sara Mendez also put out a request encouraging retired health care professionals to volunteer should they be needed to treat the public.

"To date, preventive measures have protected our local healthcare infrastructure, and these measures are expected to continue," Mendez said. "However, it is important to prepare in the event that additional healthcare providers are needed in the COVID-19 response effort."

Texas A&M Health has a website where volunteers can sign up to help.

11 A.M.

Bell County Judge David Blackburn and other health care leaders in the county held their weekly press conference.

Dr. Amanda Robison-Chadwell with the health district said the number of people who had tested positive as of 11 a.m. Thursday was 174.

Chadwell said as more tests become available she expected to see a rise in the number of cases.

CEO and President Dr. Kevin Roberts from AdventHealth in Killeen said they had all the personal protective equipment they needed. He also said drive-thru testing was available for people with symptoms.

Roberts said the main entrance to the hospital would open Friday.

Chief Nursing Officer Calee Travis with Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights said their testing has increased.

Blackburn said as businesses prepare to reopen Friday they should carefully review Texas Department of State Health Services and CDC safety protocols.

Blackburn said the county would enforce the guidelines, like the 25% capacity maximum for businesses, primarily when they get complaints from the public.

Blackburn said the Texas National Guard would open two testing sites in bell county on May 8. The sites will be at the Troy and Rogers Volunteer Fire Departments.

The testing will be available by appointment only and for those who go through a health screening that identifies symptoms of coronavirus.

8:45 A.M.

Family Health Center in Waco set up a phone line for anyone in the community who doesn't have a primary care physician to call and speak directly to a person for COVID-19 testing and other care.

The health center said patients can call 254-313-4610. If it's before 2 p.m. patients can get an appointment the same day.

They also have drive-thru testing sites.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

5:50 P.M.

The Richland Mall in Waco will reopen on Friday, May 1, according to a release from the mall.

The mall will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

In the release, the mall said it is taking precautions, such as requiring staff to wear masks in common areas and placing hand sanitizer unites throughout the mall.

RELATED: Richland Mall to open its doors Friday

5:40 P.M.

The Texas Ranger Museum in Waco will reopen on Monday, May 4 since being closed by the city on March 14.

In compliance with state orders, the museum will only allow 75 people in the museum at a time, until further notice.

Additional changes include:

Visitors over 2-years-old will be encouraged to wear a mask for their protection and that of others. Western-style bandannas are available for purchase at the admissions desk.
Museum staff, who sees 75,000 to 100,000 visitors from all over the world each year, will wear masks in public areas or meetings.
Social distancing will be observed in the museum and gift shop.
Guided tours will be limited to 10-minute overviews in the Hall of Fame theater between video showings. Tour group size will be limited to 23 people.
All exhibit interactive features will be removed and touch screen devices deactivated. Signs will be installed to explain the removal.

For updates on the museum reopening, visit the museum's Facebook page or website.

3:05 P.M.

The Bell County Public Health District reported nine new cases of COVID-19 in the county, for a total of 174 cases in the county. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported a total of 180 cases in the county, which includes six cases on Fort Hood.

From those cases, 73 have recovered and three have died. 104 cases are active in Bell County.

The county also reported that 5,359 tests have been performed.

2:27 P.M.

The City of Waco will be posting guidelines for businesses to determine how to maintain capacity at 25%. Code enforcement will be handling complaints and helping businesses figure out how to be compliant with the governor's orders.

2:25 P.M.

The city has reportedly issued "very few" citations to people and/or businesses not following shutdown orders. Deaver said there have been "less than five" issued.

2:20 P.M.

Deaver said the Cameron Park Zoo will not open until the next phase of openings.

2:15 P.M.

Mayor Deaver said he expects to open golf courses, tennis courts and disc golf locations as a result of the governor's orders. Other public locations still have no set opening dates as the city is continuing to evaluate the situation.

2:10 P.M.

Dr. Jackson Griggs said there are "massive" differences between the coronavirus and the flu.

He said that COVID-19 is:

More contagious than the flu
Has more cases of asymptomatic spread
Not slowed because herd immunity is not there
More lethal than the flu

Dr. Griggs added that the flu does not lead to widespread mortality that the coronavirus has caused.

2:05 P.M

Both officials said they hope to get the economy and public life "back to normal," but cautioned that they, and Gov. Abbott, have "a difficult line to walk" balancing public health and getting people back to work.

Judge Felton said that realistically, the virus and situation "won't go away overnight."

2:00 P.M.

Mayor Deaver said he and Judge Felton will not order residents to wear face coverings as other cities and counties have ordered. Deaver did recommend that some sort of face covering be worn out in public, but reiterated that it is not required.

1:55 P.M.

Mayor Deaver said the governor's reopening order did not clarify how to handle social gatherings, so people should continue to refrain from gathering with people outside of their immediate household.

He added that there are exceptions to the rule, like weddings and funerals, which are considered "essential services."

1:50 P.M.

McLennan County Judge Scott Felton said he hopes that barbers and salons are able to open by May 18, if the "numbers look good."

He said that the decision to open has "a lot to do with the trends" and seeing cases decline. This date is tentative and the ultimate decision on when to open is still up to the governor, Deaver added.

1:45 P.M.

In response to a question regarding the city's response to a second wave, if there was one, Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver said the city and county would not be able to close or shut down as easily as happened previously. He said this is a result of Gov. Greg Abbott's announcement that city and county orders cannot supersede the state's.

However, if officials did observe a second peak in cases, Mayor Deaver said he would reach out to the governor and see what could be done in that instance.

1:40 P.M.

McLennan County reported one new case, total of 88 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 72 recoveries. There is one person hospitalized and they are in critical condition.

There are 12 active cases and 66 people are being monitored. This according to Dr. Jackson Griggs during a joint press conference with Waco and McLennan County officials.

11:55 A.M.

The Hewitt Public Library will being offering curbside pickup for library books May 1. The library will continue to offer virtual services, but library cardholders will be able to reserve books and materials from the library after midnight on May 1.

Telephone requests will start at 9:30 a.m. May 1. Curbside hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday until further notice.

Patrons can reserve items through their online account or call the library at 254-666-2442 to request materials.

Library staff will call patrons when the order is filled and will have until the next day at closing to pick up the materials.

The procedure for picking up orders follows social distancing guidelines. Here's how it will work:

Patrons will park in a parking space at the library and call 254-666-2442.
Upon confirmation, the staff will take the order to an outside table in front of the library. Only one person should come to the table. If others are ahead, patrons will need to wait until it is clear before proceeding. Patrons will not approach until the staff is at least six feet away from the table.
The bag will be marked with the cardholder's name. Inside the bag, patrons will find the receipt with a due date.

More information about the tools and resources available from the Hewitt Public Library can be found on their website and Facebook page.

10:50 A.M.

Five new COVID-19 cases were reported in Brazos County by the county health department.

The total number of cases is now 193. However, 88 of those cases have recovered and 16 have died.

A total of 89 cases remain active and eight remain hospitalized.

The county health department reported that a total of 3,516 tests have been performed.

Around Texas

Across the U.S.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

8:45 P.M.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday afternoon.

The total number of cases is 87, and 70 cases have recovered while four have died.

13 cases remain active. 46 people are being actively monitored, including positive cases and their close contacts.

6:00 P.M.

Coryell County Judge Roger Miller and Coryell County Emergency Management reported no change in the positive COVID-19 cases in the county, leaving the county with a total of 105 cases.

32 cases remain active, eight have recovered and two have died. 63 of the cases are imprisoned persons in the county.

2:30 P.M.

The Bell County Public Health District reported seven new COVID-19 cases Tuesday afternoon, bringing the total number of cases to 165. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 173 cases, accounting for 8 reported COVID-19 cases on Fort Hood.

From those cases, 73 have recovered and three have died, leaving 97 total cases active.

2:05 P.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported six new COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday afternoon. The total number of cases is now 188.

86 cases remain active and seven of those are currently hospitalized. 86 cases have recovered and 16 total have died.

The county reports that a total of 3,419 tests have been performed.

12:10 P.M.

The Texas Medical Association announced it will work with state agencies, county medical societies and other statewide health organizations to establish an online portal where health professionals can apply for shipments of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Applications will be forwarded to through eight Hospital Preparedness Programs and Regional Advisory Councils to make the supplies available for county medical societies and other organizations to distribute. Supplies will be prioritized based on medical practices' current supply of N95 respirators and other PPE, as well as typical daily usage, medical specialty, patient population and other factors.

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MONDAY, APRIL 27

4:30 P.M.

For every dollar received by The Salvation Army of Bell County until the end of May, an anonymous donor has agreed to match the donation up to $10,000. The funds received will support the McLane Center of Hope shelter program that provides a safe and comfortable place for those experiencing homelessness, in addition to ongoing case management services.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has supported The Salvation Army in the past having been touched by the organization's mission and practical service to those in need, according to the Salvation Army.

“I have supported The Salvation Army because they are Christian based and have a long history of helping those in need,” The donor said. “That need has sharply increased due to COVID-19. Those who can help please step up and help our fellow Americans.”

Donations can be made online at Sarmytx.org/bellcounty or by mailing a check to PO Box 1884 Temple, TX 76503. The Salvation Army will notify the community through regular updates on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SalArmyBellCounty/, on donations received towards the full matching gift amount.

2:30 P.M.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday his executive order to stay at home would expire on April 30 as scheduled.

Abbott said the order would allow all retail, restaurants and theaters to re-open May 1 but at no more than 25% capacity. He said sole proprietors could resume business now.

Violating the 25% capacity guideline could

Abbott said based on the advice of doctors, barbershops, salons and gyms had to stay closed until at least mid-May.

11 A.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19. The total number in the county is 182.

16 people have died, seven are in the hospital and 84 have recovered.

9 A.M.

Houston and Harris County residents ages 10 and older must wear facial coverings starting Monday.

Harris County Judge Hidalgo announced the order last week. Anyone caught without their nose and mouth covered could be fined up to $1,000.

Here's exactly how the order works.

8 A.M.

Governor Greg Abbott will speak at 2:30 p.m. about the next phase of re-opening Texas. We will carry that stream live here.

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

3:50 P.M.

One new case was reported in Brazos County but the county's health district. There are 182 total cases in Brazos County and 77 of them have recovered while 16 have died.

There are 89 active cases. Six of the cases remain hospitalized. The health district noted that the number of reported hospitalizations reported April 25 included a non-Brazos County resident. So, the number yesterday should have been six and not seven.

3:45 P.M.

The Waco-McLennan Public Health District reported one new case of COVID-19 Sunday afternoon.

The total number of cases is now 82 with 62 of those recovered and four deceased.

There are 10 active COVID-19 cases in the county. Two case remain hospitalized. 62 people are being monitored, including positive cases and their close contacts.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

5:00 P.M.

There are no new cases of COVID-19 reported in McLennan County, according to the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District.

The total number of cases remains at 81. From those 81, 68 have recovered and four have died.

There are currently nine active cases and 57 people are being actively monitored.

2:25 P.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19 Saturday, leaving the total number of cases at 181. Out of those total cases, 77 have recovered and 16 have died.

88 cases remain active with seven of those hospitalized.

According to the health department, 3.309 tests have been performed.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 24

3:30 P.M.

A second person has died from the coronavirus in Copperas Cove, according to city Deputy Fire Chief Gary Young.

The victim was a man in his 60s.

There are currently 16 total cases in the city. Five have recovered and two have died.

3:15 P.M.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19 in the county as of Friday afternoon.

This is the second day in a row the county reported no new cases, leaving the total number of cases at 81.

From those cases, 67 have recovered and four have died. Two cases remain hospitalized.

There are 10 active cases and 57 people are being actively monitored. That number includes positive cases and their close contacts.

2:55 P.M.

The Bell County Public Health District reported four new cases of COVID-19 Friday afternoon.

A total of 151 cases have now been recorded in the county and 73 of them have recovered while three patients have died. There are 75 active cases in the county.

11:00 A.M.

As of Friday morning, there have been four more positive cases of COVID-19 reported to the Brazos County Health District.

The total number of positive cases in Brazos County is 181. Currently, there are 88 active cases, 8 people are currently hospitalized and 77 people have recovered in the county.

The total number of deaths remains the same, at 16.

The next scheduled press conference is Monday, April 27 at 4:30 pm.

7:00 A.M.

Stores across Texas will be able to start 'retail to go' service. It's part of Governor Greg Abbott's plan to gradually reopen the state.

With the new ‘retail to-go’ guidelines, customers will be able to go to stores only to pick up things they’re buying.

‘Retail to-go’ guidelines:

Payments should be contactless and done by phone or electronically.
Items should be delivered to the customers' backseat or trunk.
Workers must wash or sanitize their hands after each interaction.

Abbott said he will go into specifics about ‘retail to-go’ on April 27.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23

3:05 P.M.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19 in the county.

The total number of cases remains at yesterday's total of 81, with 65 of them recovered and 4 deaths.

12 cases remain active and 53 people are being actively monitored. That number includes positive cases and their close contacts.

2:45 P.M.

An update from the Bell County Public Health District Thursday afternoon reported six new cases of coronavirus in the county, up from the number given at a press conference late Thursday morning.

The total number of cases now sits at 147. 73 have recovered and three have died.

71 cases remain active.

1:00 P.M.

Premier ER and Urgent Care now has drive-through COVID-19 testing capabilities at its locations in Woodway, Temple and San Marcos.

The healthcare facility offers the tests for those who are approved. Those interested can select a virtual visit to meet with a physician and go through a virtual screening. Following the virtual screening, a drive-through test will be scheduled.

The test takes about five minutes and results will be returned within 24 hours, according to a release from Premier ER and Urgent Care.

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12:35 P.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported no new cases of COVID-19, leaving the total number of cases at 177.

From those cases:

96 remain active
65 have recovered
16 have died
8 remain hospitalized

The health district reported it has conducted 3,207 tests.

12:15 P.M.

In response to a question, Bell County Public Health Director Amanda Robison-Chadwell said it's important to understand that although measures taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus - like stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines - have worked, the community cannot reopen immediately and go "from zero to 60."

She said that if it appears the response to the virus was excessive in retrospect, then the mitigation efforts worked as intended.

Watch the latest Bell County COVID-19 press conference here:

12:05 P.M.

Judge Blackburn said local businesses can provide input to Gov. Abbott and ask questions as the governor works to develop a reopening plan by emailing local.input@gov.texas.gov.

11:55 A.M.

Kevin Roberts with AdventHealth said that AdventHealth has two "drive-thru" testing sites with one on Clear Creek Road in Killeen and at the Harker Heights physician clinic offices.

Roberts asked those looking to go to one of the sites call ahead at 254-519-8500.

Seton Medical Center is also reportedly set to open a "drive-thru" testing site, although a specific opening date was not given. The site will be at the Wellstone building in Harker Heights.

Premier ER at 7010 W. Adams will reportedly also have "drive-thru" testing.

11:40 A.M.

At a county press conference Bell County Judge David Blackburn reiterated that reopening businesses and the timeline for that is still up to Gov. Greg Abbott.

He also reminded community members that retail "to-go" will open Friday, April 24.

Blackburn reported 201 COVID-19 rule compliance complaints, but he added that citations had not been issued for those complaints.

RELATED: "We think that we have reached our peak as well" | Waco, McLennan County officials talk virus stats, reopening county

11:30 A.M.

The Bell County Public Health District reported two new cases of COVID-19 at a late morning press conference. That brings the total to 141 cases as Wednesday morning.

Bell County Public Health District Director Amanda Robison-Chadwell said that the number is still tentative and could change by early afternoon.

Here are some points brought up during the press conference:

Robison-Chadwell urged community members to wear face masks while out in public spaces, although it is not required by the county.
Killeen now has double the number of cases that Temple has
3,199 tests run in Bell County as of April 22
Dr. Robert Greenberg with Baylor Scott & White said:
- Performed 2,520 tests at Baylor Scott & White in Temple area
- 13 patients at Temple medical center with seven in the ICU and six of them on ventilators
- McLane Children's has no child patients
Chief Nursing Officer of Seton Medical Center Calee Travis said:
- Two nurses from Seton helped in New Jersey with the response there and they have volunteered to go back for another round
- Has not had PPE shortage
Kevin Roberts with AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen:
- AdventHealth has "never been" without PPE
- Has "drive thru" saliva coronavirus testing in Killeen, Lampasas and Harker Heights locations
- 575 total tests conducted, five percent testing positive
- AdventHealth Central Texas does not have any coronavirus patients staying on-site right now

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

5:00 P.M.

Coryell County celebrated a milestone as it has gone five consecutive days without a new positive case of the coronavirus within the local population, according to the county.

April 17 was the last date a positive case was reported that involved a resident of Coryell County.

In the time period of April 18-22, the positive case count has risen by 11 within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate population at the Gatesville prison complex, part of TDCJ Region VI.

Coryell County’s current number count is 86 positive cases of COVID-19. That number includes 49 TDCJ inmates, 30 active cases, six recovered cases, and one fatality.

These numbers are the State reported numbers as received by Coryell County from Region 7, Texas Department of State Health Services.

According to the TDCJ website, 35 employees from the six prison units in Gatesville have tested positive.

4:15 P.M.

At a press conference, Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton answered questions about how the county is planning to reopen local businesses, parks and other public areas.

The two reiterated that the decision of what opens when and how is still being handled at the state level by Gov. Greg Abbott, but that they are working on plans with local business leaders in case the governor grants local governments the ability to handle reopenings.

Dr. Jackson Griggs said during the conference that the county has passed its peak in coronavirus cases and has followed a trend similar to that of Texas.

RELATED: "We think that we have reached our peak as well" | Waco, McLennan County officials talk virus stats, reopening county

1:50 P.M.

The Bell County Public Health District reported eight new cases of the virus, making the total number of cases 139.

73 patients have recovered and three have died. 63 cases remain active.

1:40 P.M.

Waco-McLennan County officials reported three new coronavirus cases at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The total number of cases in the county is now 81.

62 cases have recovered, 15 remain active with two hospitalized in non-critical condition.

2,394 coronavirus tests were performed as of midnight last night in McLennan County.

12:40 P.M.

The Texas Department of State Health Services and Coryell County are both reporting two new cases of COVID-19. That brings to total number of cases to 86.

A report from Coryell County specified that the two new cases are inmates at state prisons in the county.

Out of the 86 total cases in Coryell County:

49 are inmates
37 are county residents
30 remain active
6 have recovered
1 has died (Copperas Cove male resident in his 70s)

The report issued by the county shows that the six recoveries have been county residents, not prison inmates.

11:20 A.M.

The Brazos County Health District reported four new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases in the county is now 177.

Of those 177 cases:

101 remain active
60 have recovered
11 are currently hospitalized
16 have died

No new deaths were reported in their daily update.

The county said 3,084 tests have been performed.

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