\n \n \n “. concat(self. i18n. t(‘search. voice. recognition_retry’), “\n
After years of battling the pandemic, Lubbock County fitness officials verify that they are seeing a further spike in cases over the past week, which hasn’t led without delay to an increase in hospitalizations.
With cases piling up, lubbock’s fitness branch says it’s a smart time to get vaccinated or get a booster at the downtown fitness branch or city pharmacies.
According to the CDC, as of noon on July 1, new cases were reported for June 30 with a seven-day average of 75 new cases.
Katherine Wells, director of Lubbock’s fitness department, said that while cases may be rising, there has not yet been an increase in hospitalizations.
“You know, we saw construction a month or two ago on both coasts; I think we’re seeing the same kind of construction here,” Wells said of the cases shown.
As the fourth of July weekend approaches, Wells said the upward trend in cases has not slowed and predicts it will continue for a week or two.
The variants Lubbock is seeing now, Wells said, are the BA-4 and BA-5 Omicron variants that were detected on the East Coast a few months ago, however, Lubbock is still seeing some of the original strains of the COVID-19 virus. .
Free COVID-19 testing is now taking place from the Community Health Clinic, at 1610 5th Street.
For those who wish to be vaccinated, the Department of Health delivers loose COVID-19 vaccines to the Department of Health, at 806 18th St. , on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Walk-in visits are accepted, but appointments are preferred. .
“These other people, especially other people with the greatest threat of serious illness, want to come and receive their reminders if they haven’t received a booster and those who are immunocompromised and older,” Wells said. “You know, it’s vital to pay attention, you know, to your activities and who you’re close to. “
Wells said children six months and older approved by the FDA can get the vaccine and that parents can choose between Pfizer and Moderna.
More: Lubbock Health Department Offers COVID-19 Vaccine for Young Children
Wells also said anyone under 50 gets a booster shot, while those over 50 get two booster shots.
Texas has an immunity rate, Wells said, but one fear now is how cases will be affected when flu season begins later this year.
“One fear is in the fall : We don’t know if any other variant will circulate that shows that a past infection or vaccine may not be as good or maybe just reduce immunity,” Wells said. “Everyone who has been vaccinated or who has received it will start happening in the next 3 months or so. “
Mateo Rosiles is a journalist who covers breaking news and trends in Lubbock and the region. Send existing to mrosiles@gannett. com.
This article was originally published in Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: COVID-19 on the rise in Lubbock, hospitalizations are low