Numbers move in positive direction
By Donnie A. Lucas
The number of positive COVID-19 test results dropped significantly last week to 68 positive cases based on tests administered at the three local testing sites.
A total of 110 tests were given for the week of Jan. 17-21, according to the weekly report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.
The number of new cases reached a one-week high the prior week with 116 positive results out of the 235 tests administered Jan. 10-14.
The Shackelford County Health Clinic was back at full staff last week after having to close for part of the time during the peak due to a shortage of staff.
The total number of positive cases last week includes test administered at the health clinic, the EMS station, and ResourceCare Community Health Center.
The total reported does not include any information about tests administered outside Albany or by use of home tests, which according to officials is also thought to be a substantial number.
The federal government started offering at-home COVID tests free of charge last week, with a limit of four to each household. Anyone interested can go online to order at www.COVIDtests.gov.
Medical personnel continue to recommend that all citizens wear masks, wash hands frequently, and practice social distancing even if fully vaccinated.
Anyone who has not received the series of two vaccines or the booster follow-up dose is advised to do so by the CDC and the medical community as a whole.
Albany ISD is reporting normal absences this week, compared to high numbers two weeks ago that prompted closing school for a day.
The elementary campus reported a total of 16 students out for various reasons on Tuesday, compared to 39 on Tuesday last week. The secondary campus did not have any students absent on Tuesday.
The AISD school nurse reported a total of 18 COVID-19 cases among students and staff last week, according to a report submitted to the state on Monday.
