COVID-19 case numbers drop, but deaths double

New cases of Covid-19 dropped somewhat in Wichita County last week, while deaths from the virus doubled from the previous week.

A total of 2,272 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Wichita County for the week ending last Friday, January 21, with 16 deaths recorded.

The positivity rate for last week was 53 percent.

The percentage of new cases in Wichita County last week who were either not vaccinated, or not up-to-date on their vaccine, was 90.8 percent.

Deaths last week from the novel Coronavirus included one individual in their 30s; three in their forties; one in their 50s; three in their 60s; six in their 80s; and two in their 90s.

The Iowa Park zip code reported 328 active cases last week, up from 221 the previous week.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that 46.81 percent of all eligible people (ages 5 and up) in Wichita County are fully vaccinated.

Lou Kreidler, Wichita County Health Director, said, “If I had a wish it would be that more people would see the value in wearing a mask when in in crowded indoor spaces, whether they are vaccinated or not. Masking would help reduce the spead of illness in both the vaccinated and unvaccinated populations.” “Don’t get me wrong,

“Don’t get me wrong, she continued, “getting vaccinated is important and in a perfect world more people would be vaccinated, but the masks have the ability to make a difference if people would use them and use them appropriately. “

So far this week

By Wednesday afternoon this week, the number of new cases reported since Friday had already reached 1,565, with 10 Wichita County residents having died as a result of Covid-19 since Friday.

Free Home Tests

In addition, Americans are now able to order free COVID-19 home tests by going to the federal website covidtests.gov and placing an order. Supplies will be limited to four tests per household and will ship within seven to 12 days of ordering.

Vaccinations, Boosters

While it is widely known that a person can contract the Coronavirus after being vaccinated and even boosted, the Center for Disease Control’s updated data shows that unvaccinated individuals are 13 times more likely to get infected than those fully vaccinated; and that unvaccinated people are 68 times more likely to experience a Covid-associated death than someone who is fully up-to-date on vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to every one five years old and older. Those wishing to receive a vaccine may register online through the WFWCPHD website.

Iowa Park Schools

IPCISD School Superintendent Steve Moody reported the following new Covid-19 infections numbers in the Iowa Park schools for the past week:

(Each day is newly infected numbers)

Jan 19 - 11

Jan. 20 - 15

Jan 21 - 4

Jan. 24 - 9

Jan. 25 - 1