COVID Widespread in San Angelo

 

The City of San Angelo Health Department asked the public to help reduce the spread of COVID and other respiratory diseases.  

Help slow the spread of omicron (COVID-19), flu, strep, RSV and other illnesses by doing the following:

• Get vaccinated if possible. Vaccinations are available for COVID-19 and for flu for certain ages. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about vaccinations. Visit vaccines.gov for vaccination sites in our area.
• Stay home if you are sick or contact a doctor if you need medical attention.
• Wear a well-fitted mask around others.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes when masks are not available.
• Avoid large crowds or gatherings.
• Wash your hands often.
• Stay 6 feet away from others 

Today the Health Department revealed 920 new positive tests, an increase in hospitalizations and an additional COVID death.  Cases have been rising with warnings of exponential spread. 

One might expect City Council members and staff to be considerate of Councilman Tommy Hiebert.  That clearly was not the case at the January 4th Council meeting.

SutterHealth reported one sick person can spread the virus to seven others.  Today's 920 could turn into 6,440 infected persons.  6,440 could become 45,080.  On the next multiplication one hits the limits of our local population.  

In the midst of a prior COVID surge Health Services Director Sandra Villareal said to a video-grapher, "it is kind of hard when you can't really follow your pandemic plans."  

There is a very small public health presence and following in our community.

Update 1-12-22:  Area school systems are closed due to the rise in COVID cases and resulting staff shortages.  Water Valley schools will be closed Friday, Jan. 14th,   Schleicher County schools are closed today through Friday as are Reagan County schools.  The City announced 833 new positives for COVID today.  

San Angelo schools for grades 9-12 will be closed Friday Jan. 14th.  Brady schools are closed the rest of this week as are Crockett County schools.  TLCA will release early on Thursday and be closed Friday.  

Update 1-13-22:  There are 889 new positives today, 45 people in the hospital with COVID and 1 new death.  It's flying through our local population.  Lord, keep us healthy and safe.

Update 1-14-22:  Counties seeing the highest case rates over the last seven days include Loving, Jim Hogg, and Tom Green.  Positive cases are 755 for today with 48 people hospitalized with COVID.  A record 52% of tests were positive this past week.