COVID UPDATE: County records new deaths from COVID; vaccination clinics set

Milam County has recorded a few new deaths due to COVID-19 over the last several weeks.

There have been 51 fatalities due to COVID-19 in Milam County. The county has also seen an uptick in cases over the last several weeks.

According to the Milam County Health Department there are 22 active cases in the county as of July 19. There are currently five people hospitalized.

The Milam County Health Department last week announced that the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 has reached the county.

The Delta variant is the most highly transmissible of all strains of the virus to this point, and generally comes with a huge spike in cases upon it’s arrival.

Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated in order to stave off the worst of the COVID symptoms.

“We'd like to encourage everyone to get vaccinated,” Milam County Health Director Robert Kirkpatrick said. “The vaccine is safe, effective, free, and will protect you from getting seriously ill or dying from the virus.”

There are several vaccination clinics going on in the county throughout the week.

On July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the county will be vaccinating homebound residents. Anyone 12 and up is eligible. Call (254) 697-7000 to set up an appointment.

On July 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. a clinic will be held in Rockdale at 1700 Brazos Avenue. It is open to ages 12 and up.

On July 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. a clinic will be held in Buckholts at 110 W. Main Street for ages 12 and up.

On July 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. a clinic will be held at the Milam County Health Department, 209 S. Houston Avenue in Cameron for ages 12 and up.

All clinics will offer the Phizer and Moderna vaccines. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome. To schedule an appointment, please call (254) 697-7000.