The purpose of COVID-19 mitigation methods is to reduce the spread of SARS COV-2 virus so that local hospitals are not overwhelmed to the point they cannot provide care to people with other health conditions.
I thought West Texans pulled together in times of crisis, that neighbors helped neighbors. As far as I can tell, actions against adopting basic public measures are making things worse. That's what the data shows. Daily positive cases are up again, as are hospitalizations:
Shannon Medical Center administrators and physicians have informed the public that they are nearing a breaking point. This should be of concern to all residents.
In their latest video Shannon doctors explain how the
current Delta variant of COVID is far different than the prior
versions. It impacts younger people, is more transmissible and rapidly
results in a higher viral load within those sickened.
Our local healthcare providers have encouraged people to get vaccinated and to wear masks when indoors with other people. Local Health Authority Dr. James Vretis has a front row seat in Shannon's ER to COVID-19's Delta variant.
Reactions to his recent mask order reveal how many disregard basic public health measures. The idea of prevention, while never strong, has nearly completely disappeared. Shannon physicians shop in local stores, where most people are not wearing masks. They send their kids to schools where a child wearing a mask is in a distinct minority, often the subject of derision from fellow students.
Governor Greg Abbott, Tom Green County Judge Steve Floyd and school system leaders rolled the same dice as former President Donald Trump. They are counting on the Delta variant to fly through our population hoping that herd immunity lies on the other side. Their gamble puts at-risk citizens and healthcare providers in a precarious position.
COVID-19 deaths ceased for over a month earlier this year. We've had over 30 deaths since early August. That's over one a day. The situation has deteriorated and many citizens are acting like the virus is gone.
Dr. Vretiz swung against the Governor's mandate and struck out. I give him credit for trying to act on his medical and public health knowledge. It's simply unwanted by the majority of our community, who may pay a terrible price.
Update 8-28-21: The city announced six confirmed COVID deaths. Not included in the six deaths are the death of an 88 year old vaccinated friend and the passing of a 30 year old father of four who fought against local mask mandates. May they rest in peace.
Update 8-30-21: The city reported ten COVID deaths over the last three days. Two of those deaths were in their 30's.
Update 9-2-21: Concho Valley Homepage reported:
San Angelo is the city in Texas with the fastest growth of new coronavirus cases, according to a report by 247wallst.com.
The report claims the number of new positive cases of COVID-19 for week ending on August 30 in San Angelo is more than twice the average for the state of Texas.
Update 9-11-21: City and community leaders finally spoke out asking citizens to do their part to minimize the spread and impact of SARS COV-2 and COVID-19. This came after 59 deaths announced over the last thirty days.
Update 9-17-21: Five days after releasing a video on the seriousness of San Angelo's COVID situation ASU President Hawkins announced a "return to 100% face-to-face classes for our on-campus students beginning Monday, Sept. 20, 2021." He recommends everyone wear a mask on ASU's campus and getting vaccinated for those physically able.
Update 12-31-21: After banning mask mandates and preventing businesses from requiring employees be vaccinated, the Omicron variant punched a hole in Governor Abbott's reliance on antibody treatment for at-risk Texans. Abbott blames the Biden administration which is like this Biblical passage. "You can see the speck in your friend's eye, but you don't notice the log in your own eye." Abbott did more to foster the spread of disease with his anti-public health stances.
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