COVID-19 claims 49th life

The respiratory illness, COVID-19, has claimed its 49th victim in Milam County.

The latest fatality was an unvaccinated woman who contracted the virus, became ill, eventually went to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. She never recovered. 

"Get vaccinated. The vaccination is free, simple, safe, virtually painless and it will prevent serious illness and death. This 49th Milam County death is a grim reminder that the virus is still with us; it is a killer, it does not discriminate, but it can be defeated with a simple vaccination," said Milam County Judge Steve Young in an email.

So far, 34.24% of our eligible Milam County residents have been vaccinated, up from 33.3% last week. About 9.5% of our population (2,559) have viral immunity, which brings our herd immunity in the county to 43.84%, up about 1% from 42.8% last week.

Today there is a vaccination clinic in Thorndale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Thorndale Chamber of Commerce. On Friday, the vaccination clinic is in Cameron at the Milam County Health Department from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. These are walk in clinics or you can call 254-697-7000 and make an appointment.

The county is vaccinating children 12 years of age and older with Pfizer. Remember a child that is fully vaccinated does not have to quarantine if in close contact with an infected person. Thus, a vaccinated child is not only protected from the virus but can remain in school and play sports. Call 254 697 7000 to make an appointment.

1,464 total PCR cases – up 4

6 active PCR cases – down 1

1,095 antigen cases – no change

1 active antigen cases – no change

7 active cases – down 1

0 hospitalized – no change

206 hospitalized since the pandemic began – up 1

0 on a ventilator – no change

49 fatalities – up 1