COVID positives start to decline

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive test results for COVID-19 dropped to just three patients last week, reversing a trend of growing numbers three weeks prior.

County judge Bob Skelton reported Tuesday that a total of eight tests were administered for the period of May 30 through June 3, with three positive results.

Two weeks ago, a total of nine positive results were indicated from the 16 people tested by one of the two local testing sites.

Skelton also reported there were four lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 that required hospitalization in the Abilene area, with two of those patients requiring care in the ICU.

Testing continues to be available locally at the Shackelford County Health Clinic and ResourceCare Community Health Center.

The total number of tests or positives does not include any information about tests administered outside Albany or by use of home tests, which according to officials could be a significant number.

Residents continue to have access to at-home COVID tests free of charge. Anyone interested can go online: www.COVIDtests.gov.

The CDC continues to recommend all eligible citizens get vaccinated with the series of two vaccines and the follow-up booster.

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can make an appointment to be tested at one of the two testing sites in Albany.

The Shackelford County Health Clinic (325-762-3661) and ResourceCare Community Health Center (325-762-2447) both offer testing and vaccines, including boosters, by appointment.

Children ages 5-17 can receive the vaccine and a booster, but only the Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for that age group and must be obtained in Abilene.