No COVID cases reported
By Donnie A. Lucas
For the third week in the last, no new cases of COVID-19 were recorded at the three Albany testing sites last week, with only one positive case reported three weeks ago.
No new cases were reported for the week of April 18-22, according to a report by Shackelford County judge Bob Skelton.
Just four tests were administered during the period, which is the same as the report from the previous week of April 11-15.
There were two hospitalized cases in Trauma Service Area D which includes Abilene and Brownwood hospitals, the same as the number of hospitalized cases the prior week.
While COVID numbers are on the rise due to a new variant in certain parts of the country, numbers in Texas and locally have continued to fall.
The CDC has approved administering a second booster dose of Moderna to patients meeting certain criteria including age limits and medical conditions.
Testing continues to be available locally at the Shackelford County Health Clinic, the EMS station 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: COVIDtests.gov.
Despite the nation-wide decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalization for most parts of the country, the CDC recommends 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 three testing sites in Albany.
Free COVID-19 testing is offered at the Shackelford County EMS Station. Call 325-762-3313 to schedule an appointment.
The Shackelford County Health Clinic (325-762-3661) and ResourceCare (325-762-2447) both offer testing and vaccines, including boosters, by appointment.
