EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – The El Paso Department of Public Health announced nine new coronavirus-related deaths Wednesday morning.
It is the second deadliest day of the virus that El Paso County has experienced since the start of the pandemic. The record of 14 was set last week.
The death toll is now 196 in El Paso County.
Authorities said the nine most recent deaths were men: two 50-year-olds, one 60-year-old, three 70-year-olds, one 80-year-old and two 90-year-olds.
“We remain saddened by the continued loss of life and send our deepest condolences to the families of these nine men,” said Dr. Héctor Ocaranza, City and County Health Authority.
The health department also reported 256 new cases of the virus. There are currently 3,859 known active cases. That’s 178 less than the day before.
To date, 12,297 cases have been confirmed, with 8,242 recoveries reported, although research shows that some recovered people may still have long-term health problems from the virus.
Hospitalizations and the number of patients in the ICU reached new highs: 310 and 116 respectively. There are 46 patients on ventilators.
Over the past seven days, on average, 16.28% of tests conducted in El Paso County have yielded positive results.
“Ongoing cases and loss of life should concern everyone and compel all of us to strictly adhere to the endless chorus to limit their interactions, cover their faces, practice social distancing, and wash their hands often with soap and water,” Dr. Ocaranza said.
He added: “We continue to repeat this over and over because there is no vaccine for this disease at this time; that is why we need each individual to take these additional preventive steps to protect themselves and others.”
For a complete view of El Paso’s Covid-19 data from the health department, click here.
