More deaths attributed to COVID-19
"This sounds like a broken record, but we must report another three deaths in Milam County last week, due to COVID-19. This makes a total of six deaths we reported for the week of January 18, 2021. As of December 28, 2020, less than 1 month ago, we only had 11 deaths; now we have a total of 24 COVID-19 related deaths in Milam County," said County Judge Steve Young in an email. "We can solve this problem: wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands and above all, get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and 95% effective. A special thanks to all of you who are doing your part to comply."
Monday the county received 300 first round doses that will be administered at the former Cameron hospital at 806 N. Crocket onThursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will call the first 300 people that are currently on the waiting list for the shots.
Those who are called go to the website: http://www.milamcounty.net/page/milam.COVID19 and download the three required consent forms: COVID-19 consent form; Adult Immtrac consent form; and Immtrac 3 Immunization Registry Retention Consent form; complete the forms and bring the completed forms to the vaccination clinic.
"This will save a lot of time. However, we will have forms available at the vaccination site" Young said.
Friday the county will vaccinate the first set of second round booster shots. This will be done at the Milam County Health Department located at 209 S. Houston. This is by appointment only and those to be vaccinated will be contacted with their appointment times.
During the week of February 1, the county hopes to vaccinate many more people.
"We don’t know what our allotment will be, but it could be as much as 600 doses. Whatever we get, we will use it and vaccinate. We thank Sarah Goeres and Brookshire Brothers for partnering to create the first Milam County public/private COVID-19 vaccination clinic. This will be done during the week of February 1 in Rockdale.
For the most up-to-date report, listen to Judge Young Wednesday on KRXT 98.5 at 7:45 a.m. for his daily COVID-19 report.
To get on the COVID vaccination waiting list. Call 254 697 7000 or email Amy Guillen at aguillen@milamcounty.net . Once on the list, you will a call to schedule your appointment, when it is your turn.
"Right now we have almost 2,500 people on the list, but do not let that deter you from getting on the list. In the next two weeks we will make a big dent in this list," he said.
Tuesday there were 67 individuals in Rockdale tested with 25 positive results. Overall, there have been 2,805 individuals tested with 824 positive infections which is a 29% positivity rate.
Today's testing is in Thorndale at the Thorndale VFW from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Milam County residents with COVID symptoms can go by for a free antigen test.
There are 14 new PCR cases to report, 24 discharged cases and no open PCR cases. There are 16 new antigen cases with 17 discharged antigen cases and no open cases. However nine individuals were hospitalized and seven were discharged.
"Our hospital capacity rate is up again at 20.19%. This has to be under 15% for 7 consecutive days before the business occupancy rate increases to 75% and the bars can reopen," he said in the email.
Current numbers:
1140 total PCR cases – up 14
48 active PCR cases – down 10
0 open PCR cases
790 antigen cases
19 active antigen cases –down 1
0 open antigen cases
Total active and open cases in Milam County – 67 – down 14
16 hospitalized- up 2
4 on ventilators – up 1
24 fatalities – up 3