COVID-19 Update
What’s New in Cass County
With school back in session, kids are excited to see each other and share what has happened over the summer. Unfortunately, it’s not all that is shared. Clinics and schools are seeing a big uptick in Covid cases around the county. So far two area school districts have already closed their doors for a week. First Bloomburg, now Hughes Springs will be closed for this week, reopening on the 30th to curb the spread of the virus. For the month of August, the county has seen 324 confirmed cases. So far, however, the county has not experienced the new, highly contagious Delta variant.
Vaccines are available for no cost at many drug stores and clinics. Check their websites for availability. Covid clinics are offered periodically at area county schools. Check the CassCountyNow.com website and school social media pages for updated information.
Governor Greg Abbott comes down with Covid
On August 17, 2021, the Office of the Governor Communications Director Mark Miner issued the statement: “Governor Greg Abbott today tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The Governor has been testing daily, and today was the first positive test result. Governor Abbott is in constant communication with his staff, agency heads, and government officials to ensure that state government continues to operate smoothly and efficiently. The Governor will isolate in the Governor’s Mansion and continue to test daily. Governor Abbott is receiving Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment.
“Governor Abbott is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in good health, and currently experiencing no symptoms. Everyone that the Governor has been in close contact with today has been notified. Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott tested negative.”
See updated info in today’s Capital Highlights.
CHRISTUS encourages vaccinations to fight COVID-19, including boosters when you become eligible
This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended booster shots for those fully vaccinated. As a health care leader in this region, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System wants our community to know we are aware of this important announcement.
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System and our healthcare heroes have been on the frontlines caring for patients and encouraging others to join in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Our commitment to Texarkana and the surrounding region in keeping our communities safe by reducing those needing care is why we served by providing vaccines to the community through our clinics and mega-vaccine-hubs.
With the guidance issued over the last week, we know that boosters are currently limited to immunosuppressed people. This includes people who have had an organ transplant or who take immunosuppressive medications. Dr. Sam Bagchi, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for CHRISTUS Health, urges people to talk to their doctor about whether they qualify for a booster now. “Our focus remains on those unvaccinated and those currently eligible for the booster.”
“Starting in late September, we expect more federal guidance on the recommendation of the boosters more broadly, and we will follow that guidance as well. We will continue to serve our communities and educate that the evidence is clear: COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are safe and effective in reducing the risk of becoming infected and spreading the virus to others,” explained Dr. Bagchi.
Initial vaccine appointments for the unvaccinated are available today at vaccines.gov. This website is continuously updated with the latest information on COVID-19 and will have booster appointment scheduling once available.