Another sobering week for county in COVID-19 cases
The number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths in Wichita County continue to rise sharply each week with 556 new cases reported for the week ending last Friday, as well as 10 new deaths.
Cases began increasing here mid-July when the Delta variant became prominent in Texas and haven’t slowed down, resulting in 885 active cases here on Friday.
During the week ending Friday August 20, 10 Wichita County residents died as a result of the novel Coronavirus , bringing the county total to 356 deaths since March of 2020. Deaths reported last week were in the following age groups: 1 20-29; 1 30-39; 3 40-49; 2 50-59; 2 70-79 (one vaccinated with Janssen); and 1 80+.
The county reported that 289 had recovered last week.
Each Friday The Wichita Falls Wichita County Public Health District releases the number of active cases by city zip code. Iowa Park had 50 active cases; Electra, which includes Kamay’s numbers, reported 17 active cases; Burkburnett, 137; and Wichita Falls, 681. Hospitalizations and deaths by zip code are not made available to the public, only active cases.
Wichita County’s positivity rate (the ratio of confirmed cases to tests) for last week was 25 percent.
As of Tuesday evening this week, 397 new cases and four deaths (including a 20-29 year old) have already been reported, indicating the upward trend is continuing.
Hospitalizations
As of Tuesday evening this week 64 Wichita County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19, with 19 of those listed as critical. Those in critical condition as of Tueday night were in the following age groups:
1-20-29
2-40-49
6-50-59
6-60-69
3-70-79
1- 80+
Wichita County Public Health Director Lou Kreidler said one of those hospitalized is in the 6-10 year old range, although not critical. She also said Wichita County has had 183 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 since August 1 with 63 percent of those under the age of 60.
According to a study of 40,000 individuals by the CDC, unvaccinated people are almost five times more likely to contract COVID-19 than those vaccinated; and over 29 time more likely to be hospitalized with Covid if they catch it.
Reinfections and Breakthrough Cases
As of last Friday, Wichita County had a total of 98 reinfections (unvaccinated for COVID, and second time to have it), 10 of which are currently active. They also reported a total of 252 vaccine breakthrough cases since vaccines began, 51 of which are new. Of those, all are symptomatic, seven were hospitalized, and three are currently hospitalized with COVID-related symptoms.
The Health District received confirmation this week from the Texas Department of State Health Services that four vaccine breakthrough cases resulted as Delta variants.
Who is eligible for vaccination?
All people 12 and older are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. Children who are 12-17 years old are allowed to get the Pfizer vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are not mandatory for Texas students.
As of Wednesday morning, 41.72 percent of eligible Wichita County residents are fully vaccinated; and 55.72 percent of Texans, according to the Texas DHS website.
Pfizer Vaccination receives FDA approval
Monday, the Pfizer vaccine received official FDA approval for those 16 years old and up.
County Health Director Lou Kreidler said, “I think it is great that we have a vaccine that is fully approved for individuals 16 and up. My hope is that this will help some individuals have a new confidence in the vaccine and decide to get vaccinated”
Kreidler continued, “I want people to know the vaccine is safe and the Pfizer has now gone through the same rigorous steps that other drugs do to gain FDA approval. I do believe now that it has full approved status we may begin to see more companies mandate vaccination for their employees.”
Booster Shots
Booster shots for those who initially took either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are now being recommended, and those who want to receive one should be able to receive them wherever COVID-19 shots are administered. It is recommended that people take the same vaccine they received in their initial two doses. Jannsen vaccine has not yet gotten the approval.
It is believed that the booster doses will build on the immunity a person already has, Kreidler commented, adding “We know from studies that the vaccine has waning immunity especially against some of the variants the further out you get from your second dose. This will ensure that individuals have a higher level of immunity especially against severe illness or hospitalization.” The Health District began administering booster doses last week.
The Wichita Falls Wichita County Health District conducts free COVID-19 immunization clinics each Thursday, and the vaccine is widely available at most pharmacies and medical facilities in the county. A full list of those offering COVID testing and vaccines may be found on the City of Wichita Falls website.
