COVID-19 on the rise in Lubbock, but hospitalizations are low
After years of battling the pandemic, Lubbock County health officials confirm they're seeing another uptick in cases in recent week, although that hasn't immediately resulted in an increase in hospitalizations.
With the increase in cases, Lubbock's Health Department says now is a good time to consider getting a vaccination or booster at the health department downtown or pharmacies around the city.
According to the CDC, as of July 1 at noon, 83 new cases were reported for June 30 with a seven-day average of 75 new cases.
Katherine Wells, director of the Lubbock Health Department, said even though cases might be on the rise, the ere has not yet been an increase in hospitalizations.
"You know, we saw increases a month or two ago on both coasts - I think we're seeing that same kind of increase here," Wells said of the bump in confirmed cases.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 Dashboard, Trauma Service Area B which includes Lubbock and its surrounding counties, has reported 18 people being hospitalized as of 4 p.m. on July 30.
With the July Fourth weekend coming up, Wells said the trend of increase of cases has not slowed and she predicts that it will continue for another week or two.
The variants Lubbock is seeing now, Wells said, are the BA-4 and BA-5 Omicron variants that were noticed on the east coast a couple of months ago, but Lubbock is also still seeing some of the original strains of the COVID-19 virus.
Free COVID-19 testing is now being done out of the Community Health Clinic, located at 1610 5th Street.
For those who wish to get vaccinated, the Health Department is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at the health department, located at 806 18th St., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred.
"Those individuals, especially individuals who are at high risk of severe disease, they really need to come get their boosters if they haven't had the booster and those that are immune compromised and older," Wells said. "You know, it's important to pay attention to, you know, your activities and who you're around. "
Wells said that the FDA approved children six months and up can receive the vaccine and parents can choose between Pfizer and Moderna.
More: Lubbock health department offering COVID-19 vaccine for young children
Wells also said anyone under the age of 50 should receive one booster shot while those over the age of 50 should receive two booster shots.
Texas has a good immunity rate, Wells said, but a concern now is how cases will be impacted when flu season kicks in later this year.
"A concern is in the fall - we don't know if another variant is going to circulate that would show that prior infection or vaccine won't be as protected or possibly just the waning immunity," Wells said. "Everybody that's been vaccinated or had it will start happening in the next three months or so."
Mateo Rosiles is a journalist covering Breaking News and Trends in Lubbock and around the area. Send him news tips at mrosiles@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: COVID-19 on the rise in Lubbock, hospitalizations are low
