Ochiltree County’s active COVID-19 cases took a pre-Christmas slide in the latest numbers from the state.
According to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Ochiltree County’s estimated active cases of COVID-19 stand at 159, down from 207 last Thursday afternoon.
The state’s data shows the county’s total confirmed Coronavirus cases now stand at 762, with an additional 76 probable cases. Last Thursday, the county had 757 total cases.
The state also says there have been an estimated
668 recoveries in Ochiltree County and nine confirmed deaths.
The data in the state’s website can lag at least a few days out of date, due to the high volume of cases TDSHS must process.
Ochiltree General Hospital released a new county COVID-19 scorecard on Monday afternoon indicating 103 positive cases in county residents in the last two weeks, with another 38 cases in non-county residents.
OGH’s COVID-19 scorecard last Thursday showed 125 positive cases in county residents and 43 in non county residents.
OGH also spotlighted some information released by Medicare about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Medicare stated that COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and would initially be in limited supply. Initial doses of the vaccine will be made available to priority groups, like health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities like nursing homes.
“Pharmaceutical manufacturers are now working to distribute the cand state-approved locations to start the vaccination of priority groups,” said the Medicare statement. “State governments will handle the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Look for updates from your state or governor as more doses of the vaccine become available for additional priority groups.”
Medicare also emphasized the importance on following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 safety guidelines, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, wearing facemasks, and limiting the size of gatherings. Ochiltree County re
Ochiltree County remains under Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order mandating the wearing of protective masks. Though you can’t be detained, arrested, or jailed for not wearing a mask, you could face a fine of up to $250 if you don’t comply after being given a verbal warning.
Coronavirus symptoms include fever and/or chills, dry cough, fatigue, body aches and muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and a loss of taste or smell.