County Report: COVID-19 Update

The following interview was recorded Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Henderson County Courthouse Annex.==This week's County Report with Judge Wade McKinney focuses on COVID-19.I. Current Stats (:38)As of this recording, there were 438 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in TSA-G. Henderson County is part of Trauma Service Area G (TSA-G), which serves Tyler/Longview and includes about 960,000 people.Hospitalizations in the region have increased by 158 patients in the past six days. Prior to this, the fastest increase in hospitalizations in our region was a 141-patient jump in the 14 days from Dec. 24 to Jan. 7. "When you look at the accelerated rate of hospitalizations across the region, it is arguably worse in that aspect than it ever has been," said Judge McKinney.In addition to the COVID-19 surge, hospitals are also dealing with staffing shortages and an increase in non-COVID illnesses.II. Emergency Management Committee (9:30)The Henderson County Emergency Management Committee has been meeting weekly about COVID-19 issues. These meetings have at times included representatives from UT Health East Texas and State Rep. Keith Bell's office.Judge McKinney said there is very little the County can do in direct response to the current surge."The Governor's Executive Order ties the hands of any local government or official from imposing restrictions of any type to help meet the needs of the pandemic," said Judge McKinney. The Judge said the County can help by working with UT Health East Texas regarding personnel retention."To be sure that our hospital system here stays very strong," he said.The County has also started working with the Hospital Authority Board to make sure there's a system in place for the County to be able to send some of the federal ARPA money to the hospital for personnel.In addition, Fire Marshal Shane Renberg has been in contact with local VFDs to ensure they have access to masks and gloves. III. Governor's Actions (16:30)Gov. Greg Abbott did announce a series of actions this week aimed at COVID-19.* Using staffing agencies to find out-of-state medical personnel to help hospitals* Asking hospitals to voluntarily postpone elective medical procedures* Opening more antibody treatment centers* Increasing vaccine availabilityIV. Vaccinations (21:04)While the idea of COVID-19 vaccinations has become controversial, political and medical leaders around the state are urging Texans to get the vaccine.During a NET Health press conference on Monday, officials from both UT Health East Texas and Christus Mother Francis both said that 95 percent of the COVID-19 patients in their hospitals were unvaccinated.Here in Henderson County, there has been a jump in the number of people getting vaccinated with more than two thousand getting their shot in the past two weeks. That's at the highest level since March.Judge McKinney said that vaccinations have become readily available. By far the favorite vaccination source in Henderson County is the local pharmacy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com