Tom Green County has Nine COVID-19 Cases

The City of San Angelo Health Department reported three new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to nine in our area:

Case #1: male in his 70s who traveled 

Case #2: male in his 20s who came into contact with a positive case within the state 

Case #3: female in her 30s who had no known contact with a positive case, categorized as a case of community spread 

Case #4: male in his 30s, close family member of case #3 

Case #5: young boy, close family member of case #3

Case #6: female in her 20s who came into contact with a confirmed positive travel-related case

Case #7: preteen female, she and her household have been self-isolating since March 24

Case #8: man in his 50s from out of town who was here for work purposes - currently hospitalized in San Angelo

Case #9: man in his 70s - currently hospitalized in San Angelo

Testing continues to rise, reaching 451, but turnaround remains a concern as 209 of those results are pending as of 2:00 pm today (3-31-20).

While testing is growing the number of patients with the virus can double in less than a week.  Roughly ten days ago an influential community leader estimated San Angelo had 600 COVID-19 cases.  If that were true it could have doubled twice, from 600 to 1,200 to 2,400 during that time. 

State Governors continue to share concerns about the limited number of tests available.  A nurse in Midland, Texas has symptoms but cannot get a test to see if they have the coronavirus.  This is concerning to co-workers and a potential risk for patients.  Shannon's Dr. Shultz explained the CDC testing criteria in a short video. 

Chris Martensen researched and posted videos over the last two months on his Peak Prosperity website.  Early on Chris illuminated a gold standard panedemic approach. 

Super spreader stories and MIT researchers lend credence to COVID-19 being airborne.  Those who need to go out in public to run critical errands should wear a mask and gloves, especially if someone in their home is medically fragile.  This novel coronavirus is easily spread and not a disease to be taken lightly.  The pattern in other communities has been case, case, case, cluster, cluster, boom.

I pray that our community be spared the sudden devastation this coronavirus has wrought elsewhere.  May it be manageable for our local health resources.

Update 4-2-20:  The City reported a tenth case.  Case #10: male in his 30s who had no known contact with a positive case, categorized as a case of community spread.  Seven of the first ten cases are under 40 years of age.