Health officials have announced a third COVID-19 death in Bell County.

At a news briefing Thursday, April 9, Bell County Public Health Director Amanda Robison-Chadwell said the fatality was reported to her office Thursday morning. The list of cases at bellcountyhealth.org had not yet been updated Thursday afternoon, though Dr. Chadwell said it would be updated later in the day.

Because the deceased family had not yet been contacted to obtain permission, Dr. Chadwell could not share the person's age, gender, or place of residence. That information will be shared if or when permission is granted.

The first victim to pass away from COVID-19 infection in Bell County was a Temple woman in her 80's who we're told was a resident of an assisted living facility. She died on March 26.

The second person passed away on April 6. That person's age and location have not been shared by health officials, but they did identify him as a man.

Dr. Chadwell reported that the latest count of patients who've tested positive for COVID-19 is 84 - an increase of 10 since Wednesday's update.

In McLennan County, officials announced the death of a man with underlying conditions. No further information was made available.

Overall, Texas had 10,230 cases and 199 fatalities. Texas reports 96,258 tests have been conducted.

The CDC reports 427,460 cases nationwide, with 14,696 fatalities.

Judge David Blackburn did not make any further amendments to the current directive in place in Bell County, but again emphasized a change from earlier this week asking residents to wear cloth masks when out in public to help slow the spread of the disease.

Judge Blackburn said that social distancing and hygiene measures under the current shelter in place order have resulted in local hospitals not being overwhelmed, and having enough available beds and respirators to treat patients as the number of cases grows.

Read the Bell County recommendation notice issued April 7th below. If it doesn't display in your browser, click the button to download and view a PDF copy.

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