Local COVID cases continue to decrease
By Donnie A. Lucas
The number of positive COVID-19 cases tested locally held steady over the last week, with 13 positives results from the 44 tests administered.
The three local testing sites reported a combined total of 14 positive test results from the 33 tests administered during the week of Feb. 7-11.
According to the weekly report issued by county judge Bob Skelton, the hospitalized cases in Trauma Service Area D, which includes Abilene and Brownwood hospitals, dropped significantly from 73 to 44 patients at the time of the report on Monday.
Testing continues to be available locally at the Shackelford County Health Clinic, the EMS station and ResourceCare Community Health Center.
The total 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.
Despite the nationwide decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalization for most parts of the country, the CDC recommends all eligible citizens get vaccinated the series of two vaccines and the follow-up booster.
Albany ISD reported just two new cases of students or staff testing positive for COVID-19 last week, both at the secondary school.
Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can make an appointment to be tested at one of the three local locations.
Free COVID-19 testing is offered the Shackelford County EMS Station. Call 325-762-3313 to schedule an appointment.
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.
Currently, immunization shots and boosters are offered without cost as part of a federal program.
Children ages 5-17 can receive the Pfizer vaccine and booster, but it must be obtained in Abilene.
