PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

January 3, 2021

Happy New Year to everyone!  Here’s hoping that 2021 is much better for us than 2020!

I am changing how the numbers are being reported for our county.  I am sure that this will upset some people, but this is a needed change.  Unfortunately, the massive amounts of data, complicated by incomplete data, has made it impossible for me to continue to vouch for the information that I am providing to our County’s leaders, as well as it’s residents.  In order to have more timely reporting, as well as more accurate numbers, I will be reporting numbers provided to me by the State of Texas.  I will continue to monitor cases diagnosed at GRMC, as well as other local cases, as that data is presented to me.

The spread of COVID-19 has leveled off here in Somervell County.  We have stayed fairly stable, at between 40-55 active daily cases during the last 2 weeks. In our county, we have widespread viral activity in families, institutions, and work places.  Social events continue to be an area with significant risk, especially during these past holidays.

If you choose to go out, or need/have to go to work, please exercise responsibility and wear a mask, especially if you have any possible exposure to the virus.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 24-48 hours prior to becoming symptomatic.  During those hours is when wearing a mask truly helps to protect those around you.  If you are not feeling well, please stay home, especially if you think you might have had exposure to someone with the virus.  Mask wearing in our community continues to be dismally low, especially given the continued elevation of cases of COVID-19.  I would ask and recommend that people return to more common usage of masks.

Statewide, levels of COVID-19 are still high, but may be reaching a plateau. With flu season starting, now is not the time for people to get complacent.  We have seen a handful of influenza cases so far, and it is likely to get worse. Mask wearing and social distancing can help keep flu cases down as well as future COVID-19 cases.  Please do not let your guard down.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  We must do better to stay safe, and keep the others around us safe and healthy.

Vaccinations are starting to be available in surrounding areas and communities.  Unfortunately, our small county has yet to receive an allocation of vaccine.  I have no new information regarding when we might get some vaccine, but I remain hopeful that it will be soon.

With the completion of the holidays, I hope that there will be less travel, and we can start to suppress the new infections.  Coupled with vaccination efforts, we can get the new case numbers down to a more manageable level soon.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  Please, if you know, or are suspicious of a significant exposure to COVID-19, stay home.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid-19, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines, and I will continue to work with Judge Chambers and Mr. Rotan as we try to navigate these challenging times.

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.  It would be helpful if you give the state your physical address, and not a PO Box.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Now is a very good time to look in on the vulnerable and isolated in our community.  Many are having issues with loneliness and anxiety due to the prolonged isolation, as well as the holiday season.  Call a neighbor just to check in!

The number of active cases is still up for Somervell County right now.  It does appear that we have peaked, but we are still well above the threshold of cases necessary to opt out of the Governor’s executive orders.   We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent, and letting this continue to worsen.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

If you get sick and test positive for COVID-19, please talk with your health care provider about treatment options.  For high risk individuals, there are treatments available that can help prevent more serious cases and hospitalizations.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority

COVID 1-4-21

If you have travel plans Glen Rose Medical Center is now on the Texas Department of State Health Services list as a collection site for COVID-19 testing.  COVID-19 testing available, PCR, Antigen and Antibody testing.

You must call 254-897-1404 to schedule an appointment, there are no exceptions. Walk in testing is not available.  Please be prepared to answer a series of questions and allow time for appointment and results prior to travel guidelines.

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

December 21, 2020

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

As of 6 PM on 12/18/2020, Somervell County Texas registered a total of 738 cases of COVID-19, the number of residents currently with active cases is 37.  There is one patient currently hospitalized with COVID-19 at Glen Rose Medical Center.  Recently, we have continued to have a steady stream of inpatient COVID-19 patients.  Using the guidelines provided by the State of Texas DSHS, we currently have 4 county residents who have died as a result of their COVID-19 infections.  You may notice that the “official” state numbers for active cases, total cases, and deaths, differ from the numbers that I am reporting.  I am continuing to work at reconciling those differences, and I will report them when they change.

The spread of COVID-19 seems to have leveled off a bit here in Somervell County.  In our county, we are seeing spread of the virus within families, peer groups and some neighborhood clusters.  There has been moderate institutional spread noted in the last 3-4 weeks as well.  Social events and work place exposures appear to be the most common routes of exposure for our citizens.

If you choose to go out, or need/have to go to work, please exercise responsibility and wear a mask, especially if you have any possible exposure to the virus.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 24-48 hours prior to becoming symptomatic.  During those hours is when wearing a mask truly helps to protect those around you.  If you are not feeling well, please stay home, especially if you think you might have had exposure to someone with the virus.  Mask wearing in our community continues to be dismally low, especially given the rapid rise in our cases of COVID-19.  I would ask and recommend that people will return to more common usage of masks.

Given the widespread viral activity in our region, the risk level for Somervell County is at the substantial level.  Texas is having a second wave of COVID-19 infections.  The second wave seems to be reaching a plateau, but does not seem to want to decline at this time. With flu season starting, now is not the time for people to get complacent.  We have seen a handful of influenza cases so far, and it is likely to get worse, but with mask wearing and social distancing, we can help keep flu cases down as well as future COVID-19 cases.  Please do not let your guard down.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  We must do better to stay safe, and keep the others around us safe and healthy.

I apologize for my optimism regarding when we can begin vaccinations for COVID-19.  I was hoping that we might be able to start prior to Christmas.  It looks more like mid-January at this time.  Unfortunately, the amount a vaccine initially available will be much smaller than we had hoped.  This meansthat to help keep cases to a minimum, folks still need to social distance, wash hands, and wear masks whenever appropriate, not just some of the time.

I continue to believe that families can safely celebrate the holidays together.  Please be protective of the elderly and high risk people in your families.  There is still strong evidence that social gatherings are playing a very large role in the current spread we are seeing in our county and our state.   What I recommend is a more stringent personal standard for attending a family gathering.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  Please, if you know, or are suspicious of a significant exposure to COVID-19, stay home.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid-19, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines, and I will continue to work with Judge Chambers and Mr. Rotan as we try to navigate these challenging times.

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Now is a very good time to look in on the vulnerable and isolated in our community.  Many are having issues with loneliness and anxiety due to the prolonged isolation, as well as the holiday season.  Call a neighbor just to check in!

The number of active cases is still up for Somervell County right now.  It does appear that we have peaked, but we are still well above the threshold of cases necessary to opt out of the Governor’s executive orders.   We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent, and letting this continue to worsen.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

If you get sick and test positive for COVID-19, please talk with your health care provider about treatment options.  For high risk individuals, there are treatments available that can help prevent more serious cases and hospitalizations.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

December 4, 2020

As of 6 PM on 12/3/20/2020, Somervell County Texas registered a total of 615 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the number of residents currently with active cases is 50.  There are no patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19 at Glen Rose Medical Center.  Recently, however, we have had a steady stream of inpatient COVID-19 patients.  Using the guidelines provided by the State of Texas DSHS, we currently have 4 county residents who have died as a result of their COVID-19 infections.  You may notice that the “official” state numbers for active cases, total cases, and deaths, and the numbers I am reporting, differ most of the time.  I am continuing to work at reconciling those differences, and I will report them when they change.

During the last two weeks we have added around 200 cases in Somervell County.  Most of this occurred prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Since Thanksgiving, there has been a small dip in new cases, but it appears that those numbers are starting to rise again.  Currently, we are seeing significant spread of the virus within families, peer groups and some neighborhood clusters.  There has been moderate institutional spread noted in the las 2-3 weeks as well.  Social events and work place exposures appear to be the most common routes of exposure for our citizens.  If you choose to go out, or need/have to go to work, please exercise responsibility and wear a mask, especially if you have any possible exposure to the virus.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 24-48 hours prior to becoming symptomatic.  During those hours is when wearing a mask truly helps to protect those around you.  If you are not feeling well, please stay home, especially if you think you might have had exposure to someone with the virus.  Mask wearing in our community continues to be dismally low, especially given the rapid rise in our cases of COVID-19.  I would ask and recommend that people will return to more common usage of masks.

Given the widespread viral activity in our region, the risk level for Somervell County is at the substantial level.  Texas is having a second wave of COVID-19 infections, and it continues to get worse.  With flu season starting, now is not the time for people to get complacent.  We have seen a handful of influenza cases so far, and it is likely to get worse in the near future.  Please do not let your guard down.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  We must do better to stay safe, and keep the others around us safe and healthy.

It is truly too early to see how the Thanksgiving holiday has affected the numbers here in Somervell County.  Hopefully we can start to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 with vaccination efforts prior to Christmas arriving.  Unfortunately, the amount a vaccine initially available will be much smaller than we had hoped.  This means folks still need to social distance, wash hands, and wear masks whenever appropriate, not just some of the time.  I continue to believe that families can safely celebrate the holidays together.  Please be protective of the elderly and high risk people in your families.  There is still strong evidence that social gatherings are playing a very large role in the current spread we are seeing in our county and our state.   What I recommend is a more stringent personal standard for attending a family gathering.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  Please, if you know, or are suspicious of a significant exposure to COVID-19, stay home.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid-19, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

Governor Abbott’s last executive order imposed increased restrictions based upon hospital capacity and the percentage of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.  The Trauma Service Area Somervell County is in, is approaching those limits.  To avoid greater “lockdown” type restrictions, people need to be responsible by staying home when they are sick.  Wear masks when inside and among other people not of their household.  Wash your hands frequently.  Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines, and I will continue to work with Judge Chambers and Mr. Rotan as we try to navigate these challenging times.

The fastest way to pre-2020 normal, is through an extensive vaccination program.  The process these vaccines are going through, is the same that other vaccines have gone through, just on a condensed timetable.  I personally have a great deal of comfort with the amount of transparency we are getting during this process.  It continues to appear that the most challenging part of this will be how much vaccine will be available and how it will be distributed.  It is certain that it will be given to high risk patients, first responders, healthcare personnel, and nursing home residents first.  It will be at least 4-6 months before general population will be able to obtain the vaccine.  Some vaccine will be available in the month of December, although we do not know if we will get any, or how much at this time.  More likely, is a chance to vaccinate a larger number of patients some time in mid to late January.

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Now is a very good time to look in on the vulnerable and isolated in our community.  Many are having issues with loneliness and anxiety due to the prolonged isolation, as well as the holiday season.  Call a neighbor just to check in!

The number of active cases is still up for Somervell County right now.  We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent, and letting this continue to worsen.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

Please request testing from your provider if you have concerns about being infected.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority

DRIVE THRU COVID-19 TESTING

JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GATHERING

Glen Rose Medical Center will offer Drive thru COVID-19 Testing

Tuesday November 24, 2020
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
&
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Somervell County Expo
Price $60
Cash, Credit Card and Checks will be accepted

* Please wear a mask or face covering.
* Test results within 24 hours.
* You will only receive a call for a POSITIVE test result.

Please enter the expo parking lot behind the expo on Texas Drive across from the soccer park. You will have a short questionnaire to complete as you move thru the line.

For questions please call 817-980-3129 Lisa Andersen.

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

November 22, 2020

As of noon on 11/20/2020, Somervell County Texas registered a total of 415 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the number of residents currently with active cases is at yet another record high of 67.  2 patients are hospitalized at this time, and the rest of the active cases are on home isolation.  Recently, we have had as many as 5 patients hospitalized with another 4 or 5 needing transfer to higher levels of care.  Using the guidelines from the State of Texas DSHS, we currently have 4 county residents who have died as a result of their COVID-19 infections.  You may notice that the “official” state numbers for active cases, total cases, and deaths, and the numbers I am reporting, differ most of the time.  I am continuing to work at reconciling those differences, and I will report them when they change.  We have had 344 residents recover from this illness.

Unfortunately, our number continue to increase at far too rapid of a pace.  Currently, we are seeing significant spread of the virus within families as well as in peer groups.  There is no significant institutional spread in Somervell County at this time.  It is clear that social events are a common route of spread for the virus in our community, which then leads to spread within families.  I know everyone has heard this, but please remember that wearing a mask can prevent you from spreading the virus unknowingly.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 1-3 days prior to becoming “sick”.  It is during that time, at mask wearing can help protect other people in our community.  If you are not feeling well, please stay home, especially if you think you might have had exposure to someone with the virus.  Mask wearing in our community seems to be at the lowest level that it is been since the beginning of this pandemic.  I would ask and recommend that people will return to more common usage of masks.

Given the widespread viral activity in our region, the risk level for Somervell County is at the substantial level.  Texas is having a second wave of COVID-19 infections.  The curve does not appear to be as steep as the first wave, but the peak is starting to look like it will be higher, and may last longer.  With flu season starting, now is not the time for people to get complacent.  We have seen a handful of influenza cases in the last few weeks.  Please do not let your guard down yet.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  We must do better to stay safe, and keep the others around us safe and healthy.

The holidays are fast approaching.  It is not my opinion, nor my advice that we need to cancel family gatherings.  Unfortunately, there is clear cut evidence that social gatherings are playing a very large role in the current spread we are seeing in our county and our state.   What I do recommend is a more stringent personal standard for attending a family gathering.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  Please, if you know, or are suspicious of a significant exposure to COVID-19, please stay home.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid-19, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

I will continue to support Judge Chambers, and Mr. Rotan as they try to navigate these very challenging times.  It is very difficult to balance the different needs that people have in our community, but I believe our leaders are doing a very good job of trying to stay practical, but vigilant as this pandemic continues.  To avoid greater “lockdown” type restrictions, people need to be responsible by staying home when they are sick.  Wear masks when inside and among other people not of their household.  Wash your hands frequently.  Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines.

I also believe that the fastest way to pre-2020 normal, is through an extensive vaccination program.  The process these vaccines are going through, is the same that other vaccines have gone through, just on a condensed timetable.  I personally have a great deal of comfort with the amount of transparency we are getting during this process.  It continues to appear that the most challenging part of this will be how much vaccine will be available and how it will be distributed.  It is certain that it will be given to high risk patients, first responders, healthcare personnel, and nursing home residence first.  It will be at least 4-6 months before general population will be able to obtain the vaccine.  We are hopeful that a vaccine might be available in the month of December, although there isn’t solid information about that at this time

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Now is a very good time to look in on the vulnerable and isolated in our community.  Many are having issues with loneliness and anxiety due to the prolonged isolation.  Call a neighbor just to check in!  We cannot neglect other medical needs, just because coronavirus is a problem for us.

The number of active cases is up for Somervell County right now.  We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent due to this positive trend though.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

Please request testing from your provider if you have concerns about being infected.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

November 16, 2020

As of noon on 11/13/2020, Somervell County Texas registered a total of 343 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the number of residents currently with active cases is at a new record high of 50.  2 patients are hospitalized at this time, and the rest of the active cases are on home isolation.  Using the guidelines from the State of Texas DSHS, we currently have 3 county residents who have died as a result of their COVID-19 infections.  You may notice that the “official” state numbers for active cases, total cases, and deaths, and the numbers I am reporting, differ most of the time.  I am continuing to work at reconciling those differences, and I will report them when they change.  We have had 290 residents recover from this illness.

For the fourth week in a row, I have to report another dramatic increase in our numbers.  Currently, we are seeing significant spread of the virus within families as well as in peer groups.  There is no institutional spread in Somervell County at this time, however, it is clear that social events are a common route of spread for the virus in our community.  I know everyone has heard this, but please remember that wearing a mask can prevent you from spreading the virus unknowingly.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 1-3 days prior to becoming “sick”.  It is during that time, at mask wearing can help protect other people in our community.  There is compelling evidence that mask wearing in our community is near, or at, the lowest level that it is been since the beginning of this pandemic, although, in response to increasing numbers I am hopeful that people will return to more common usage of masks.

Given the widespread viral activity in our region, the risk level for Somervell County is at the substantial level.  Clearly Texas is having a second wave of COVID-19 infections.  The curve does not appear to be as steep as the first wave, but does appear to be affecting a bigger area of the state.  With flu season around the corner, now is not the time for people to get complacent.  Please do not let your guard down yet.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  Continue to do your best to stay safe, and keep the others around you safe and healthy.

The holidays are fast approaching.  It is not my opinion, nor my advice that we need to cancel family gatherings.  Unfortunately, there is clear cut evidence that social gatherings are playing a very large role in the current spread we are seeing in our county and out state.   What I do recommend is a more stringent standard for attending a family gathering.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  Please, if you know, or are suspicious of a significant exposure, please stay home.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid-19, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

I will continue to support Judge Chambers, and Mr. Rotan as they try to navigate these very challenging times.  It is very difficult to balance the different needs that people have in our community, but I believe our leaders are doing a very good job of trying to stay practical, but vigilant as this pandemic continues.  To avoid greater “lockdown” type restrictions, people need to be responsible by staying home when they are sick.  Wear masks when inside and among other people not of their household.  Wash your hands frequently.  Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines.

I also believe that the fastest way to pre-2020 normal, is through an extensive vaccination program.  The process these vaccines are going through, is the same that other vaccines have gone through, just on a condensed timetable.  I personally have a great deal of comfort with the amount of transparency we are getting during this process.  It continues to appear that the most challenging part of this will be how much vaccine will be available and how it will be distributed.  It is certain that it will be given to high risk patients, first responders, healthcare personnel, and nursing home residence first.  It will be at least 4-6 months before general population will be able to obtain the vaccine.  We are hopeful that a vaccine might be available in the month of December, although there isn’t solid information about that at this time.

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Now is a very good time to look in on the vulnerable and isolated in our community.  Many are having issues with loneliness and anxiety due to the prolonged isolation.  Call a neighbor just to check in!  We cannot neglect other medical needs, just because coronavirus is a problem for us.

The number of active cases is up for Somervell County right now.  We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent due to this positive trend though.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

Please request testing from your provider if you have concerns about being infected.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

November 6, 2020

Somervell County, Texas now has a total of 285 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the number of residents currently with active cases is at a record high of 35.  No patients are hospitalized at this time, all are on home isolation.  Using the guidelines from the State of Texas DSHS, we currently have 3 county residents who have died as a result of their COVID-19 infections.  You may notice that the “official” state numbers for active cases, total cases, and deaths, and the numbers I am reporting, differ most of the time.  I am continuing to work at reconciling those differences, and I will report them when they change.  We have had 247 residents recover from this illness.

For the third week in a row, I have to report a dramatic increase in our numbers.  Currently, we are seeing significant spread of the virus within families.  There is no institutional spread in Somervell County at this time, however, there is very strong evidence that social gatherings are playing a large role in the spread of the virus in our communities.  I know everyone has heard this, but please remember that wearing a mask can prevent you from spreading the virus unknowingly.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 1-3 days prior to becoming “sick”.  It is during that time, at mask wearing can help protect other people in our community.  There is significant evidence that mask wearing in our community is near, or at, the lowest level that it is been since the beginning of this pandemic.

There is some good news.  There is research that has been published that show asymptomatic patients do appear to have long term immunity from the virus.  How long this will last is still very uncertain.  It is clear that we are still a long way from any kind of meaningful herd immunity.

Given the widespread viral activity in our region, the risk level for Somervell County is at the substantial level.  Unfortunately, we have recently learned of influenza being diagnosed in a COVID patient.  This might complicate diagnosis and treatment plans to a significant degree.  I believe that the risk level to all Somervell County residents is elevated substantially.  There is ample evidence that we are seeing a second wave in the state of Texas.  At this time the curve does not appear to be as steep as the first wave, but does appear to be affecting a bigger area of the state.  Please do not let your guard down yet.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  Continue to do your best to stay safe, and keep the others around you safe and healthy.

The holidays are fast approaching.  It is not my opinion, nor my advice that we need to cancel family gatherings.  Unfortunatly there is clear cut evidence that social gatherings are playing a very large role in the current spread we are seeing in our county   What I do recommend is a more stringent standard for attending a family gathering.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

I will continue to support Judge Chambers, and Mr. Rotan as they try to navigate these very challenging times.  Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines.

I also believe that the fastest way to pre-2020 normal, is through an extensive vaccination program.  The process these vaccines are going through, is the same that other vaccines have gone through, just on a condensed timetable.  I personally have a great deal of comfort with the amount of transparency we are getting during this process.  It continues to appear that the most challenging part of this will be how much vaccine will be available and how it will be distributed.  It is certain that it will be given to high risk patients, first responders, healthcare personnel, and nursing home residence first.  It will be at least 4-6 months before general population will be able to obtain the vaccine

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.

Statewide, numbers continue to significantly increase.  It is uncertain what to attribute this to, at this time.  Some of it clearly is related to opening up colleges and other post-secondary schools, some of it is likely to be due to trying to return to normal activities.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Now is also the time to look in on the vulnerable and isolated in our community.  Many are having issues with loneliness and anxiety due to the prolonged isolation.  Call a neighbor just to check in!  We cannot neglect other medical needs, just because coronavirus is a problem for us.

The number of active cases is up for Somervell County right now.  We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent due to this positive trend though.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

Please request testing from your provider if you have concerns about being infected.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.

Somervell County Local Health Authority

PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 UPDATE

October 30, 2020

Somervell County, Texas now has a total of 250 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the number of residents currently with active cases is 16.  No patients are hospitalized at this time, all are on home isolation.  Using the guidelines from the State of Texas DSHS, we currently have 3 county residents who have died as a result of their COVID-19 infections.  You may notice that the “official” state number, and our number differ at this time.  I am continuing to work at reconciling those differences, and I will report them when they change.  We have had 231 residents recover from this illness.

For the second week in a row, I wish I did not have to report such a significant increase in our numbers.  Currently, we are seeing significant spread of the virus within families.  There is no institutional spread in Somervell County at this time.  Isolated cases of Covid appeared to be the result of incidental contact amongst people in our community.  This type of spread will be exceedingly difficult to control if we cannot get people to be compliant with wearing masks when they are in contact with other people.  At the risk of repeating myself, please remember that wearing a mask can prevent you from spreading the virus unknowingly.  It is very common that people are contagious for anywhere from 1-3 days prior to becoming “sick”.  It is during that time, at mask wearing can help protect other people in our community.  There is significant evidence that mask wearing in our community is near, or at, the lowest level that it is been since the beginning of this pandemic.

In the last week, there really hasn’t been any new data of significance.  It is increasingly likely that vaccine will be available for high risk patients in the coming 1-2 months.  Vaccine availability for the general population, however, is not likely to occur until summer.  We will need to continue to combat spread of this virus until we have other ways to protect the elderly and vulnerable amongst us.

Our neighboring counties continue to have significantly more cases than we do.  I believe that the risk level to all Somervell County residents is significant.  There is ample evidence that we are beginning to see a second wave in the state of Texas.  At this time the curve does not appear to be as steep as the first wave, but does appear to be affecting a bigger area of the state.  Please do not let your guard down yet.  Do not let COVID fatigue overwhelm you.  Continue to do your best to stay safe, and keep the others around you safe and healthy.

The holidays are fast approaching.  It is not my opinion, nor my advice that we need to cancel family gatherings.  What I do recommend is a more stringent standard for attending a family gathering.  Now more than ever, anyone who feels sick should stay home and help protect their loved ones by avoiding the spread of any infectious disease.  If you are concerned that you might have contracted Covid, please talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

I will continue to support Judge Chambers, and Mr. Rotan as they try to navigate these very challenging times.  Locally, we are also still limited by the State and TEA guidelines.

I also believe that the fastest way to pre-2020 normal, is through an extensive vaccination program.  The process these vaccines are going through, is the same that other vaccines have gone through, just on a condensed timetable.  I personally have a great deal of comfort with the amount of transparency we are getting during this process.  It is looking more likely that we will have a vaccine by the end of November.  Most challenging part of this will be how much vaccine will be available and I will be distributed.  Certainly it will be given to high risk patients, first responders, healthcare personnel, and nursing home residence first.  It will be at least 4-6 months before general population will be able to obtain the vaccine.

As always, contact tracer activity is ongoing with all new positive results, and all results are being reported to the State of Texas per DSHS guidelines.  Most contact tracing is performed by Texas Health Trace, and can be initiated online if patients wish.

Statewide, numbers continue to significantly increase.  It is uncertain what to attribute this to, at this time.  Some of it clearly is related to opening up colleges and other post-secondary schools, some of it is likely to be due to trying to return to normal activities.

Please be mindful that we are all neighbors, please respect the privacy of others.  The hospital, county, city and school districts are all required to follow HIPAA rules.  It is Glen Rose Medical Center’s policy not to release any demographic or patient information due to HIPAA laws.

Want to know more?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website and Texas 2-1-1 remain the best sources of information for Somervell residents regarding COVID-19 testing and self-protection measures. DSHS updates their county-by-county tracking map daily at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

I would like to request that if you are ill, and think that illness might be COVID-19 due to your personal exposure history, please get tested.  It is far better to test too often, than to not test enough.  Increased testing will give us more accurate numbers to help guide decision making in our county and school district.  If people are choosing to not be tested, it makes getting accurate numbers all that more difficult.  If you have any concerns about your status, please call your primary provider to further discuss testing options.

The number of active cases is up for Somervell County right now.  We will continue to monitor and report what we can.  I do not think I can caution enough against becoming complacent due to this positive trend though.  When in groups larger than 6 persons (outside of your household), wearing masks, and aggressive hand sanitation is still indicated.  Social distancing is still important. Please be safe.

Please request testing from your provider if you have concerns about being infected.  I will say it again, it is better to test too much, than to not test enough.

I appreciate everyone’s continued time and efforts in fighting this disease, none of us are in this alone.  Together we can keep our community strong, safe, and moving forward.

Thank you!

Steven Vacek, M.D.

Glen Rose HealthCare Inc.