COVID numbers decreasing, booster doses now available

_{Milam County recorded another death due to COVID-10 last week.}

_{On Dec. 8 County Judge Steve Young reported the 91st death due to the virus. “You just can’t be too careful,” he said. “Regrettably, I report our 91st death this evening. This was a person who had received the J&J shot. Nevertheless, the person was infected with the Delta variant and died within a week of infection.”} 

 _{Active case counts for COVID-19 are finally trending down in the past day.} 

_{Young announced there were five new cases confirmed in the county, though the active case count tumbled to just 11 as of Tuesday, Dec. 14. There have been a total of 91 deaths since the pandemic began and just one this month.} 

_{The outpatient monoclonal antibody infusion clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the former Rockdale medical clinic. Those infected by the virus need a referral to get the infusion. If you do not have a medical provider, call (512) 853-0208 and the clinic could possibly have their provider write the referral for you.} 

_{The Health Department is now providing booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Boosters are available to anyone. The immunocompromised are also eligible for additional shots, which are not the same as boosters. Those that are immune compromised and are interested in that additional shot, should contact the Health Department for an appointment. Remember, these shots may not keep you from getting the virus but they are very efficient at protecting you from hospitalization and death.} 

_{The next public vaccination clinics will be Friday from  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cameron First United Methodist Church. Clinics are open to residents at least 12 years of age and shots are free to the public. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome.} 

_{To schedule an appointment, please call (254) 697-7000.} 

_{Free virus testing takes place Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the former Rockdale clinic and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cameron Fire Station.}