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Tom Green County's COVID-19 cases are at the lowest they've been in weeks -what does that mean?

Medical professionals advise the public to continue following all safety protocols, despite the drop in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Credit: Esmeralda Perez

SAN ANGELO, Texas — COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are at the lowest they have been over the past several weeks in Tom Green County. However, the virus is still active and staying protected is crucial.

This past week, the City of San Angelo reported 11 COVID-19 related deaths, less than 100 positive cases and an average of 30 daily hospitalizations. Although the virus still remains active, the county is at the lowest it has been since June.

The last major spike of the COVID-19 cases happened in mid-August with an average of 100 positive cases and 75 hospitalizations daily. 

“Luckily we’ve seen a fairly significant reduction in the number of both new cases diagnosed and the number of people that are trying to be admitted to the hospital,'' Tom Green County Local Health Authority, Dr. James Vretis, said.

The drop in cases is a result of a majority of people getting vaccinated and complying with COVID-19 safety protocols. With the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the population has learned to adapt to social distancing, face coverings and sanitary measurements. 

Vretis advises people to get vaccinated and follow all COVID-19 safety protocols. Viruses change frequently and even with the discovery of new variants the vaccine is capable of keeping the virus from causing severe illness. 

“The vaccine is very safe and it is shown that any of the complications that you get by getting the vaccine, you are about 80 times more likely to get that same complication if you get COVID," Vretis said. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises the public to take precautions not only for themselves but for others as well. The CDC also recommends that people continue wearing masks, sanitizing and improving ventilation in homes. 

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