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The number of COVID-19 tests in Texas continues to be low compared to its population

While the number of COVID-19 tests administered in Texas has increased, still only about 1% of the state's residents have been screened for the virus.

AUSTIN, Texas — Based on data reported Wednesday by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), COVID-19 tests have been performed on nearly 315,000 Texans. But with a population of just under 29 million, that’s just slightly above 1% (1.09%) of Texas residents.

Testing rates vary wildly across the state. Among Texas’ largest counties: 

  • 0.94% of Travis County has been tested
  • 1% have been tested in Harris County
  • 0.99% have been tested in Dallas County
  • 0.48% – less than half of 1% – have been tested in Bexar County

RELATED: LIST: Confirmed Central Texas coronavirus cases by county

Closer to home, despite a growing rate of COVID-19 infections in Williamson County, just six-tenths of 1% of the county’s population has been tested.

In Mason County, stepping up testing uncovered 17 cases of the virus Wednesday – a jump from five cases reported Tuesday and representing a relatively high number of cases in a county with only about 4,200 residents.

Other testing data from Central Texas, according to DSHS:

  • In Bastrop County, 0.53% of residents have been tested
  • In Burnet County, 0.25%
  • In Caldwell County, 0.52%
  • In Hays County, 0.88%.

WATCH: Lake Travis Fire Rescue tests new mask that delivers more oxygen to COVID-19 patients

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