The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days jumped from 31 on Wednesday to 37 on Friday.
The department also announced two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 23.
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. The per-day average in Ellis County has not dropped to that level since the metric began to be reported.
RELATED: Hays commissioners vote to extend mask ordinance
There were 148 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Ellis County since Wednesday. The department updates figures Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with this Friday's report showing the largest increase between reports — topping the 112 cases reported on Sept. 8.
There are currently 455 active cases, including 15 active hospitalizations, and 1,651 recovered cases.
The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to 40.7 percent.
Since reporting began, there have been 2,129 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 23 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.
