The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District reported the sixth COVID-19 related death Wednesday and 52 new cases bringing the total to 473.
The patient was a 44-year-old, Hispanic man. He died at a local hospital Tuesday, the health district said.
"The Public Health District continues to take every action to protect and to inform the residents of McLennan County and we encourage residents to bear in mind the potential cost of the virus’ spread." the district said in a press release. "COVID-19 affects every sector of our community. We call on all our community to keep the family in their prayers and respect their privacy."
The health district reported an additional 50 coronavirus cases Tuesday.
The county reported 173 people have recovered leaving 243 active cases.
Thirteen people were hospitalized in critical condition.
The Waco city council voted Tuesday to extend the mayor's disaster order by issuing a mask order that requires people to wear masks inside businesses to July 7.
During a press conference Wednesday, Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver made it clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious situation in Texas.
Data shows that cases continue to rise, and the number of active cases daily are going up, according to Deaver. Hospitalizations continue to trend up and the positivity rate in Texas is at about 9% and trending higher.
In early-mid May, McLennan County experienced less than 10 active cases of COVID-19 daily for over two weeks. That number is now at 243 and continues to rise daily, said Dr. Jackson Griggs.
Deaver said this is what led to overwhelming hospitals around the world. He said that area hospitals are not close yet to being overwhelmed, but the rising trend is concerning.
Deaver made it very clear that the guidelines we have been told to use by the CDC and many health experts are what the public needs to use to ensure safety from the virus.
He said we should stay at home as much as possible, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet apart, wash and sanitize hands frequently, and wear masks as much as possible.
Studies have shown that the best thing for the community to do to stop the spread of the virus is to maintain social distancing and wear masks, said Deaver.