Information was provided by Dr. Craig Whiting, Texas Department of State Health Services Local Health Authority, and Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator for San Saba County
CASES: Total = 44
San Saba County = 19
City of San Saba = 25
RECOVERED: San Saba County = 14
San Saba County = 14 City of San Saba = 22
City of San Saba = 22
ACTIVE:
San Saba County = 5
City of San Saba = 3
NO HOSPITALIZATIONS NO DEATHS Message from Dr. Craig Whiting:
We did see a rise in cases this past week, much like we saw in mid-July. This may be related to the school districts in our county getting back under way this month - though the cases were scattered across the county and across age lines, so there is not an obvious pattern.
When we are notified of a case, then the person who tested positive is contacted by phone. We ask the person who has tested positive to help us identify any “close contacts” because those contacts are at risk of having contracted the virus as well. A close contact is anyone who has been within six feet of the infected person for more than 15 minutes within a time frame starting two days before the positive-testing person’s symptoms appeared, or two days before they tested positive in those individuals who tested but do not have symptoms.
The individual who tested positive is given instructions on isolation with most current guidelines. These guidelines have been refined over the last several months as we learn more about this virus and how it behaves.
At this time, the recommendation is that the infected person isolate in their home separate from other, noninfected household members, for 10 days. At the end of this isolation period, if the person has had no fever and all symptoms are resolving (that is improved if not completely gone), then they are considered to be recovered and can return to normal activity. Some employers may have additional rules about when they can return to work; that does vary.
Anyone identified as a close contact is advised to quarantine for 14 days while monitoring for symptoms and checking temperature twice a day. If they develop fever (>100o F) or symptoms, they should consider themselves as positive for COVID and begin the 10-day isolation period as described in the paragraph above. Testing for COVID is not necessary for these individuals in order to consider them to have this infection. This is true for a couple of reasons. First of all, the COVID tests are in short supply nationally, so it is not possible to test every individual. Secondly, there are some false negative results of COVID testing, so even if they test negative there is still some risk that they do have this infection. Because of this, it is reasonable to assume that the infection is COVID if the person develops symptoms or fever.
Information on Testing:
Integrity Urgent Care does COVID-19 testing 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. using a Walk-in or Appointment schedule that is FREE to those who do not have health insurance. 254-577-5642 Location: 310 E. Hwy. 190 Suite 254, Copperas Cove, Texas.
Reminder from Marsha Hardy:
Simply: wash your hands, wear your mask, pay attention to your surroundings and, mostly, be kind!
You can see updates during the week on our website: www.sansabanews.com or on our Facebook page.