The Ellis County Health Department reported on Friday the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days rose for the first time since Oct. 5 to 13.
The department also reported two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 16.
On Oct. 2, the Hays City Commission voted to extend the ordinance requiring face coverings until the seven-day new case average was five or fewer for 14 straight days.
RELATED: Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance
There were 38 new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county since Wednesday. There are currently 146 active cases, including 10 active hospitalizations, and 1,111 recovered cases.
The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 23 percent.
Since reporting began, there have been 1,273 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County including 16 deaths.
NOTE: "New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.