COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Wichita County
Wichita County saw several records broken in the past week regarding the onslaught of the COVID-19 virus, none of them promising.
A total of 2,728 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Wichita County for the week ending last Friday January 14, a new record, as well as a record for the number of people tested in a week here, which was 4,950.
It should be noted that the 4,950 tests do not include individuals who utilize home tests, as there is no way for the WFWCHD to track those numbers.
The positivity rate for last week was 55 percent, which broke a previous high reported in November of 2020 of 41.8 percent.
The Wichita Falls Wichita County Health Unit also reed a single-day record high of cases reported on Friday, January 14, and a record high for a three-day total (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) of 940 reported Monday, January 9.
Eight deaths were also reported in last week’s numbers, including three individuals in their 50s; three in their 60s; and one each in their 70s and 80s.
The percentage of new cases last week who were not vaccinated was 78 percent.
The Iowa Park zip code reported 221 active cases last week, of the 3353 currently reported in Wichita County.
So far this week
By Wednesday afternoon this week, the number of new cases reported since Friday had already reached 1,438 cases, with 10 Wichita County residents havingdied as a result of Covid-19 since Friday.
In addition, Wichita County reported 99 people hospitalized for the virus, up 35 in a week, with 15 in critical condition.
Additional testing locations and options
With long lines for testing and a virtual shortage of at-home Covid-19 test kits, getting tested the past few weeks has been frustrating.
United Regional Healthcare is answering the shortage by opening a second drive-through COVID testing site this week at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center, 111 N. Burnett St., in Wichita Falls.
Testing hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will include testing only. Patients will not be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Free Home Tests
In addition, Americans are now able to order free COVID-19 home tests by going to the federal web site 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 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.
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)
Wednesday, Jan 12 - 3 staff, 15 students
Thursday, Jan. 13 - 4 staff, 17 students
Friday, Jan 14 - 4 staff, 15 students
Tuesday, Jan. 18 (includes weekend, holiday) 4 staff, 17 students.
