For the third consecutive week, cumulative COVID-19 cases declined in Milam County, going up 21 from 332 to 355.
That’s the third straight week for cases to decline. But County Judge Steve Young is certainly not declaring anything like a turnaround just yet.
Young, in speaking to county commissioners indicated he was concerned about schools starting in the county during the week, noting that a Milano volleyball player tested positive for COVID-19 after playing in two scrimmages, one of them against Rockdale.
“There is no question that when people get together this is going to spread,” he said.
Milam County recorded its high point in weekly cumulative cases (based on Wednesday morning figures, Reporter publication day) the period ending July 22 with 69.
The next three weekly counts have been 37, 35 and now 21.
“I believe the masks are having an effect, as more people are wearing them,” Young said.
TESTING—Testing is seen as a key factor in lowering numbers even further.
Young said there will a free state testing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Thorndale VFW Hall.
He said no registration is required. “You can just walk up and get tested,” he said.
As announced last week, preparation continue on a countywide free “quick test,” hoped to be up and running by Sept. 1.
Young said 1,000 tests have been ordered and will be administered by medical personnel, contracted by the county.
He said it’s envisioned tests will be administered throughout the county with a lab set up in Cameron to process the samples.
“One of the big problems has been the lag time in getting results back from the state,” he said. “This will let us know in a day whether people tested positive or not.”
It’s being funded through the federal CARES Act through the county and its cities.
CARES money must be used only for COVID-19 related projects.
NUMBERS—A s o f Wednesday morning, Reporter presstime, the county had logged 23 active cases, down two from 25 a week ago.
There were 15 “probable” cases, up five from 10 last week.
Seventy-one persons are being monitored by the Milam County Health Department, up 21 from 50 a week ago.
Five Milam residents are in area hospitals, up from three a week ago with one in “very serious condition,” according to Young.
Milam death count remains at three.
‘IT’S REAL’—Young said he is still getting calls from people saying COVID-19 is a hoax.
“If you to think this is a hoax that’s okay, this is real and it is going to be with us until our dying day. The virus 100 years ago (Spanish Flu Pandemic) is still around.”
Young said one of the problems with not believing COVID-19 needs to be addressed is that it might lead resident to not wear masks and infect others without knowing it.
“A study has shown 40 percent of this (COVID-19) is spread by asymptomatic (no symptoms) persons,” he said. “Whatever you think, please try and think of th other person, too, and wear a mask to protect them.”
Free COVID-19 testing by the state is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Thorndale VFW Hall. No registration is required. Patrons may “walk up” and get tested
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.