COVID-19 cases back on the rise in Wichita County

New COVID-19 cases are back on the upswing this week, jumping from 68 new cases for the week ending Nov. 19, to 91 cases as of last Friday.

Wichita County Health Director Lou Kreidler said Tuesday, “I do believe we are beginning to see an increase from the Thanksgiving holidays. I fear we will continue to see an increase in cases until after the first of the year,” referencing the huge jump in cases around the Christmas holidays in 2020.

“People will be attending Christmas parties (and) only 45% of the population five and up are vaccinated and very few individuals are wearing a mask,” Kreidler continued. “On top of increasing COVID cases we are beginning to see an increase in flu cases as well. People need to remember that the most important thing they can do is to get vaccinated for both influenza and COVID. Wearing a mask will reduce the transmission of both the flu and COVID. Remember to wash your hands often ... and avoid large crowds when possible.”

Of the new cases, 66 percent were unvaccinated.

In addition, the Wichita Falls Wichita County Public Health District reported three new deaths from the novel Coronavirus last week.

Of the deaths reported last week, one was in their 20s; one in their 40s; and one in their 60s.

For the week ending November 25, the COVID testing positivity rate had increased to 11 percent.

Active cases in the Iowa Park zip code rose last week, to 24 active cases, of the 209 currently reported in Wichita County.

So far this week

By Tuesday afternoon this week, the number of new cases reported since Friday stood at 65, with two new deaths reported, a person in their 60s, and another in their 80s.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 12 people hospitalized, with four in critical condition including one in their 20s.

November stats

WFWCPHD released statistics for hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 for the month of November.

Deaths-15

1-20

2-40

3-50 1 vaccinated with Pfizer

3-60

2-70

3-80 1 vaccinated with Moderna

1-90

13 unvaccinated, 2 vaccinated

Hospitalizations

66 Individuals were hospitalized

11-19 - 2

20 - 5

30-6

40- 6

50 -10

60 - 19

70 - 6

80- 11

90 - 1

29 below the age of 60

Vaccinations and Boosters

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.

A comprehensive list of providers and pharmacies administering COVID-19 shots in Wich ita County may be found at www.wichitafallstx. gov, then clicking on the COVID-19 tab.

“I know everyone wants to get together with family and friends for the Holiday festivities and we all want to have a good time, Kreidler said. “The safest way to do so is to get vaccinated and to stay home if you are not feeling well. No one wants that type of holiday cheer. Covid is the gift that will keep on giving.”