Bell County Judge David Blackburn has extended the county's shelter in place order.

At a media briefing Friday, Judge Blackburn announced Directive 4 of the Bell County Disaster Declaration, which extends the shelter in place end date to 11:59 PM April 6.

Before Judge Blackburn made the announcement, Dr. Amanda Chadwell announced that Bell County's confirmed COVID-19 cases now total 25. She announced 5 new cases: 3 in Killeen, 1 in Belton, and 1 in Harker Heights.

On Thursday, Dr. Chadwell announced the first COVID-19 related death in the county. Her office did not release the woman's identity out of respect for her family's privacy. The woman was reportedly a Temple resident in her 80s.

Dr. Chadwell provided the following number of COVID-19 cases at Friday's briefing:

Texas: 1,731 cases, 23 deaths

Nationwide: 85,356 cases, 1,246 deaths (per the CDC)

Under the shelter in place order, residents are asked not to leave their homes unless it is absolutely necessary, to continue practicing social distancing, and to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

Dr. Chadwell said local health officials across Central Texas are sharing data to keep each other informed of emerging COVID-19 cases.

Continued Coverage of COVID-19 in Central Texas

Download or View a Copy of Directive 4 Here

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