Vaccines now more widely available
By Melinda L. Lucas
With new CDC guidelines for coronavirus vaccine distribution and more relaxed statewide COVID restrictions now in effect, Shackelford County residents are hoping that some semblance of “normal” will return in the near future, even as regular spring activities like Fandangle practice and league sports resume.
Both Albany health clinics are reporting fewer positive cases of the coronavirus, although Albany ISD did communicate that there was one lab-confirmed student at the elementary campus in the days leading up to Spring Break.
Vaccine Availability
ResourceCare is providing first doses of the Moderna vaccine to those 50+ according to the CDC’s Phase 1C guidelines, and they have started scheduling second doses for those who got the first shot last month.
Shackelford County Health Clinic is taking appointments for the first dose of Moderna for anyone 18 and over.
County Numbers
SCHC has collected four positive tests from 20 given in the last 14 days, according to a report on Monday.
The local EMS, which is providing free COVID tests, has administered seven tests, with one positive. ResourceCare is also reporting a decline in cases.
County judge Robert Skelton stated Tuesday that numbers from the Department of State Health Services have “remained flat” for the past week.
“I feel like the local reporting has finally reached the state,” said Skelton, referring to the significant lags in information between what DSHS was publishing each week in comparison to the numbers that Albany clinics had in their weekly reports to Skelton.
Skelton also said that DSHS is listing four COVID-related fatalities for Shackelford County since the global pandemic was declared last March, compared to 25 for Stephens, five for Throckmorton, 32 for Callahan, and 52 for Jones.
“I realize the last governor’s order (not to require face masks and to fully open businesses) was not supported by all,” said Skelton. “I saw the order as providing the citizens of Texas with a choice. No two businesses or persons are the same, and this gives each the right to choose what is best for them.”
