COVID-19 community spread level raises to high

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised Hays County’s COVID-19 level from medium community spread to high last week.

The 7-day positivity rate in Hays County was 28%, according to the county’s most recent weekly update on Thursday, July 21. That update also said there were 917 new cases over the previous week, which is also the number of cases the county considered active. The daily case rate per 100,000 people in Hays County was 61.81, and the weekly case rate per 100,000 people was 380.4.

With the raise in community spread, the CDC recommends masks be worn in public. Hays County Local Health Department says wearing an N95, KN95 or KF94 mask while indoors will reduce the chances of catching COVID-19. The county adds that other measures — such as utilizing indoor air filters, social distancing and frequent hand washing — can help prevent the coronavirus’ spread.

There were 17 hospital admissions during the prior seven days due to COVID-19 and two COVID-19 related fatalities during the same time frame.

The CDC recommends staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination to reduce the risk of severe disease and death.

In Dripping Springs, four locations offer COVID-19 vaccines, including the Dripping Springs Pharmacy, H-E-B, Walgreens and CVS. Check with each location to see if an appointment is required or if walk-ins are accepted.

According to the DSHS, 146,080 county residents are considered fully vaccinated — 64.31% of 227,126 eligible residents who are 6 months of age or older as of Monday. The DSHS stated that 170,705 Hays County residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose — 75.15% of eligible residents. Additionally, the DSHS stated that 62,158 Hays County citizens have received at least one additional vaccine dose as of last week.