Number of active cases still rising

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of local residents testing positive for the COVID-19 virus reached 21 over the last two weeks, with a total of 79 tests administered.

The results are the combined totals from both the Shackelford County Hospital Clinic and the Albany ResourceCare Clinic, for the period of Aug. 2 through Aug. 13.

Shackelford County Judge Robert Skelton issued an update on Tuesday for the two-week period, and results for the first two days of this week from the hospital district clinic were also added to the totals.

Skelton reported 69 tests and 19 positives for the two-week period from both clinics.

In addition, the hospital clinic conducted 10 tests on Monday and Tuesday of this week with two positive results.

A spokesman for the hospital clinic said that none of the patients who tested positive over the last three weeks have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Skelton also added in his update that the results do not include results from tests given local residents in either Abilene or Breckenridge.

The number of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized in Trauma Service Area D, which is the Abilene area, increased from 108 to 130 with no ICU beds available.

Skelton noted that both local clinics have available doses of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine available.

Anyone seeking a COVID-19 test or the vaccine is urged call one of the local clinics in advance to schedule a time. 

The Shackelford County Health Clinic can be reached at 325-762-3661, and the number of the local ResourceCare clinic is 325-762-2447.

School Policy

Just over 500 students reported back to classes on Wednesday, along with teachers and staff, with very different protocols from the same time last year.

“Things have changed from last year, with TEA guidance providing suggested policy rather than mandates,” school nurse Lisa Russell said. “TEA is recommending that family members quarantine if a there is a confirmed case, but they are not mandating it. Basically, the school can’t require anyone to remain at home unless they personally have COVID-19. That’s a family decision.”

Students and staff who test positive are required to stay home for 10 days from the onset of symptoms or after testing positive.

Before returning to school, a person who tested positive must have at least a 24-hour period without a fever or using a fever suppressant.

The school, along with local health care providers, are required to report all positive cases to the health department and TEA this year.

Russell added that some one in close contact with a positive family member can ask for an antibody test as recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Persons showing antibodies from having COVID-19 in the past or from the vaccines do not have to quarantine.

“Getting the antibody test offers those in close contact with a positive case some reassurance, according to the CDC,” Russell said.

Due to a order by governor Greg Abbott, school and other entities that receive state funding can not mandate the wearing of masks. However, the CDC strongly recommends the use of masks, especially in areas with rising concentrations of positive cases.

The school nurse said that the school will be blocking the use of water fountains, except for the bottle filling stations. The school will continue provide sanitizing stations and conduct extra cleaning.

“I will be going into the lower grades to conduct hand washing instructions at the elementary,” Russell said.