COVID numbers on the rise in Milam County, across area
Milam County recorded 39 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the last few days, making the total case count 102.
“Yesterday, we had 20 new confirmed cases and today, we have an additional 19 new confirmed active cases,” Milam County Judge Steve Young said Monday night. “This brings the total active confirmed cases of the virus in Milam County to 102. Furthermore, we tested 42 individuals in Rockdale today (Monday); 18 of those were positive, including six minors.”
Young said the county only had six active cases as July began and now we are racing toward our all time record of 173 active cases set back in late December 2020.
In the month of July 2021 the county reported four additional COVID-19 deaths.
“None of those who died had been vaccinated,” Young said. “We now have 12 individuals who are hospitalized and two of those are on a ventilator and in serious condition.”
Young said back in December 2020 the vaccines were not available and our only protection was to stay away from others and wear a mask. Today, we have a vaccine that is readily available to anyone 12 years of age or older.
“The vaccines will protect against a serious infection meaning a vaccinated person is unlikely to become seriously ill or die from an infection,” he said. “In addition, a person who is infected is less likely to spread the virus.”
Milam County, is using Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.Both have been given an emergency use authorization by the FDA. An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is a mechanism to facilitate the availability and use of medical countermeasures, including vaccines, during public health emergencies, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, over 8,000 Milam County residents have been vaccinated, representing about 38 percent of the approximately 21,000 individuals that could be vaccinated.
“Today, I met with a nice lady who resides in the county,” Young said. “She was infected and spent 34 days in a local hospital. She was released in June, but she still has trouble breathing. She recanted that she should have gotten vaccinated, but someone told her to wait, “what a mistake” she said. She wanted everyone to know that it does not make sense to wait, because once infected, it is too late for the shot.”
Vaccination and testing continue this week.
Today, Aug. 3, the county will be administering homebound shots.
On Wednesday, Aug. 4, there will be a vaccination clinic at the Cameron VFW, 2010 Temple Highway, from noon to 7 p.m.
On Thursday, Aug, 5, a clinic will be held at the Rockdale Medical Clinic, 1700 Brazos Ave. in Rockdale, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Friday, Aug, 6, there will be a clinic at the Gause United Methodist Church, 204 W. Walnut in Gause, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Saturday, Aug. 7, a clinic will be held at the Cameron Fiesta Grounds, 500 S. Columbus in Cameron, from 7 a.m. to noon.
Testing is as follows: Monday's from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1700 Brazos Ave, Rockdale, and Thursdays at the Cameron Volunteer Fire Station at 1505 N. Travis, Cameron, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Test results will be provided within 24 hours of being tested.
The hospitalization rate for COVID-19 in Trauma Service Area L - which includes Milam and Bell counties - is 18.52 percent. Service Area L is the second highest rate in the state after Trauma Service Area R in the Galveston area.