PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

November 6, 2020

Somervell County, Texas now has a total of 285 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the number of residents currently with active cases is at a record high of 35.  No patients are hospitalized at this time, all are on home isolation.  Using the guidelines from the State of Texas DSHS, we currently have 3 county residents who have died as a result of their COVID-19 infections.  You may notice that the “official” state numbers for active cases, total cases, and deaths, and the numbers I am reporting, differ most of the time.  I am continuing to work at reconciling those differences, and I will report them when they change.  We have had 247 residents recover from this illness.

For the third week in a row, I have to report a dramatic increase in our numbers.  Currently, we are seeing significant spread of the virus within families.  There is no institutional spread in Somervell County at this time, however, there is very strong evidence that social gatherings are playing a large role in the spread of the virus in our communities.  I know everyone has heard this, but please remember that wearing a mask can prevent you from spreading the virus unknowingly.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 1-3 days prior to becoming “sick”.  It is during that time, at mask wearing can help protect other people in our community.  There is significant evidence that mask wearing in our community is near, or at, the lowest level that it is been since the beginning of this pandemic.

There is some good news.  There is research that has been published that show asymptomatic patients do appear to have long term immunity from the virus.  How long this will last is still very uncertain.  It is clear that we are still a long way from any kind of meaningful herd immunity.

Given the widespread viral activity in our region, the risk level for Somervell County is at the substantial level.  Unfortunately, we have recently learned of influenza being diagnosed in a COVID patient.  This might complicate diagnosis and treatment plans to a significant degree.  I believe that the risk level to all Somervell County residents is elevated substantially.  There is ample evidence that we are seeing a second wave in the state of Texas.  At this time the curve does not appear to be as steep as the first wave, but does appear to be affecting a bigger area of the state.  Please do not let your guard down yet.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  Continue to do your best to stay safe, and keep the others around you safe and healthy.

The holidays are fast approaching.  It is not my opinion, nor my advice that we need to cancel family gatherings.  Unfortunatly there is clear cut evidence that social gatherings are playing a very large role in the current spread we are seeing in our county   What I do recommend is a more stringent standard for attending a family gathering.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

I will continue to support Judge Chambers, and Mr. Rotan as they try to navigate these very challenging times.  Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines.

I also believe that the fastest way to pre-2020 normal, is through an extensive vaccination program.  The process these vaccines are going through, is the same that other vaccines have gone through, just on a condensed timetable.  I personally have a great deal of comfort with the amount of transparency we are getting during this process.  It continues to appear that the most challenging part of this will be how much vaccine will be available and how it will be distributed.  It is certain that it will be given to high risk patients, first responders, healthcare personnel, and nursing home residence first.  It will be at least 4-6 months before general population will be able to obtain the vaccine

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.

Statewide, numbers continue to significantly increase.  It is uncertain what to attribute this to, at this time.  Some of it clearly is related to opening up colleges and other post-secondary schools, some of it is likely to be due to trying to return to normal activities.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Now is also the time to look in on the vulnerable and isolated in our community.  Many are having issues with loneliness and anxiety due to the prolonged isolation.  Call a neighbor just to check in!  We cannot neglect other medical needs, just because coronavirus is a problem for us.

The number of active cases is up for Somervell County right now.  We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent due to this positive trend though.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

Please request testing from your provider if you have concerns about being infected.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority