Number of positive cases holds steady

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of new COVID-19 cases held fairly steady last week at the Shackelford County Hospital Clinic, with 26 positive results out of the 57 tests given through Friday, Sept. 3.

The clinic was closed Monday for Labor Day, but reported 18 more tests administered on Tuesday with eight additional positives.

County Judge Bob Skelton issued a report on Tuesday, Sept. 7 with the hospital clinic’s numbers, but was not able to obtain the number of tests or results for ResourceCare’s medical clinic in Albany.

Albany ISD school nurse Lisa Russell said Tuesday she was aware of a total of nine cases within the district last week, including two staff members and seven students. She added that two more positive cases were reported on Tuesday.

“It may be slowing a little,” Russell said. “We have also have cases of a true stomach virus that can be confused with COVID symptoms, which can’t be confirmed as negative for COVID without having the testing.”

Russell said that there has also been a case of the flu and one strep case reported recently.

“The flu was limited to just three or four cases last school year,” she said. “I think that the extra handwashing and wearing masks helped keep down the number of flu cases last year.”

Residents are reminded that both of the local clinics have the Moderna vaccine available, but an appointment is required to receive the shot.

Currently, students 12 years of age and older can receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is available in Abilene.

COVID-19 testing is available at both clinics and at the EMS station, but an appointments are required.