County infection rate picks up
By Donnie A. Lucas
After going weeks, even months, without a single positive COVID-19 case, eight positive cases have been reported locally by one of the two local clinics.
The Shackelford County Hospital District Clinic has administered 25 tests since July 19, with eight positive results.
Results from the Resource Care Clinic in Albany showed that eight tests were given, but there were no positive cases.
Both local clinics offer testing for the coronavirus, and both have vaccines available to administer.
The COVID-19 Dashboard operated by the Texas Department of State Health Services showed only three active cases as of Monday, but results posted on the site have traditionally lagged behind current date results.
The state website shows a total of 135 confirmed cases, with another 148 probable cases since statistics started being recorded in March 2020. There are also a total of five fatalities listed for Shackelford County and 280 recoveries since records of the pandemic.
County Judge Bob Skelton issued a report on Facebook last week indicating that six cases had been reported since the recent surge began in July.
“I think the public has the information necessary to make a decision for themselves about being vaccinated,” Skelton said. “Personally, I reviewed the information and decided to take the vaccine, but that is a choice each individual needs to make and live with.”
The county judge also updated the status of the Area D Trauma Services, which includes Abilene and 22 surrounding counties.
He said that the 19 medical facilities in the service area have are reporting a total of 68 hospitalized COVID-19 cases, with only three ICU rooms available in the area. The number of current cases has grown rapidly over the last two weeks, representing an eight percent occupancy rate by COVID-19 patients.
Previously, when the rate reached 15 percent, mandatory closures of certain businesses was required by the state.
“Our area isn’t close yet, but it is on the rise,” he said. “The governor has issued an order restricting those closures this time, so we hope we never return to that level of cases, especially since school is about to start.”
The Center for Disease Control is recommending both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to wear masks when indoors, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive orders prohibiting entities that receive state funding from issuing an order that mandates wearing masks.
In a recent email to all staff members, Albany ISD superintendent Jonathan Scott said that the district can not issue a mask mandate due to the governor’s order.
“With in-service right around the corner and the start of school closely behind, groups of people will begin to gather once again on our campuses,” he said. “Individuals are welcome to wear a mask if deemed in their best interest, but the district can not require anyone to wear one.”
He added that the district will continue the process of enhanced cleaning and disinfecting.
“The water fountains will remain closed, other than the water fill stations,” he said. “There were three additional water stations installed in the district over the summer.”
Scott added that TEA is not providing funding for remote instruction this school year, so remote instruction will not be provided for quarantined students.
Students who are required to quarantine will be able to pick up assignments or some teachers may use Google Classroom to provide work.
