COVID results may be misleading
By Donnie A. Lucas
The number of positive COVID-19 cases appears to be increasing, causing at least one major event to be cancelled this week.
The second week of Day Camp sponsored by Resoure Care was cancelled after several cases of COVID-19 among campers and staff were reported at the end of the first week of the annual event for children.
The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Monday reported five positive test results out of 20 tests given at the two local health clinics for the period of July 11-15. However, the use of home testing has increased after tests were made more readily available through certain insurance carriers at particular pharmacy chain stores.
The previous week, a total of seven positives was reported from 11 persons tested.
The number of cases requiring hospitalization in Trauma Service Area D, which includes Abilene area hospitals, increased to 27 comfirmed COVID-19 patients, compared to 12 the previous week. Three adult patients required ICU care, but there were no pediatric cases.
The latest cases are thought to be the Omicron variant, which is reportedly more contagious than previous strains but has milder symptoms.
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.
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.
