COVID-19 cases almost triple in holiday week
New Covid-19 cases in Wichita County almost tripled from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, according the Wichita Falls Wichita County Public Health Unit.
These trends match state and nation-wide numbers that sky-rocketed over the holidays and are mostly believed to be the newest and fast-spreading variant of the Novel Coronavirus, Omicron.
When asked Tuesday if the local cases were believed to be the new variant, the Wichita County Public Health Director Lou Kreidler said, “I was on a call this afternoon with the State and the regional lab in Dallas (results are) predominantly Omicron. I believe with the number of cases we have here, that we are definitely seeing Omicron in our community.”
Hospitalizations and deaths also rose in the same week, with this week looking to be on the same track.
There were a confirmed 636 new cases of Covid reported in the county for last week ending December 31, up sharply from the 242 cases reported the week before. Also the positivity rate doubled to 28 percent.
Three deaths were reported last week, all individuals in their 70’s.
Of the new cases last week, 81 percent were unvaccinated.
The Iowa Park zip code reported 71 active cases last week, of the 947 currently reported in Wichita County.
Kreidler said with the sharp increase in cases, the guidance regarding avoiding being infected remains largely the same, “Our guidance hasn’t really changed even though the vaccines seem to be less effective against Omicron. It still protects against severe illness, hospitalizations and death. It must be a combined effort to include vaccines, mask, hand washing and avoiding large indoor gatherings.”
So far this week
By Wednesday after noon this week, the number of new cases reported since Friday had already risen to 822, with seven deaths reported.
In addition, Wichita County reported 35 people hospitalized for COVID-19 with six in critical condition as of Wednesday morning, up from 28 last Friday.
Iowa Park Schools
IPCISD School Superintendent Steve Moody reported that when school reconvened Monday after the Christmas holidays, six staff members had tested positive for Covid; as well as three high school students.
As of Tuesday afternoon, two more middle school students and another high school student had tested positive.
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 Wichita County may be found at www.wichitafallstx. gov, then clicking on the COVID-19 tab.
