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Positive tests down slightly

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Albany News

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 cases continued to trend downward slightly last week, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton, with booster doses now available locally for eligible residents.

A combined total of 41 tests were conducted locally during the week of Oct. 18-22, with 13 positive results. That is two fewer positive cases than the week before which was 15 positive out of 38 persons tested.

Testing was conducted at the three local testing sites in Albany that include the Shackelford County Health Clinic, Resource Care Community Health Center, and Shackelford County EMS station.

The hospital clinic reported only three tests on Monday, Oct. 25, with no positive results.

Albany ISD school nurse Lisa Russell turned in a total of three cases to the state last week.

Both of the clinics also offer testing and ­COVID-19 vaccinations, while the EMS station only conducts testing. Currently only the Moderna vaccine is available locally.

Booster doses of the Moderna, which is one-half of the original dose, are available at the hospital district clinic. The booster is available to  persons 65 years of age or older, or persons 18-64 in an at-risk group. The Moderna booster has been approved as a follow-up to any of the three brands of the vaccine. 

Persons originally receiving either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines must wait six months after the second original dose, while anyone getting the J&J vaccine has to wait only two months after the second regular dose.

Locally, children 12-17 must still travel to Abilene or somewhere administering the Pfizer children’s dosage to be vaccinated, although it is anticipated that children’s doses could be available locally in the near future.

Testing is being conducted at the EMS free of charge with an appointment during regular office hours. Call 325-762-3313 to obtain an appointment.

Both testing and vaccines are available by appointment at the Shackelford County Health Clinic (325-762-3661) and ResourceCare Community Health Center (325-762-2447).