El Paso health leaders warn of increasing COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations

Anthony Jackson, El Paso Times
·2 min read
1

El Paso's health leaders are warning residents to stay vigilant amid rising COVID-19 cases in the community.

El Paso City/County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza reported an increase in new COVID-19 cases and an increase in hospital admissions due to the coronavirus, according to a city news release Wednesday.

“The large increase in new cases gave rise to more people requiring hospitalization,” Ocaranza said. “Fortunately, the number of people remaining in the hospital is still relatively low, but this can change very rapidly. This is why we are strongly recommending the community rededicate themselves to preventative and proactive measures such as wearing a face cover while indoors, avoiding large gatherings, getting tested, staying home if sick, and also getting and keeping up with your COVID-19 vaccination to include your booster shots.”

Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City-County Public Health Authority
Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City-County Public Health Authority

More:Children 6 months to 5 years old now can receive COVID-19 vaccinations in El Paso

More:COVID-19 transmission rate 'high' in El Paso County; Sheriff's Office sets vaccine drive

By the end of June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved El Paso’s COVID-19 Community Levels from low to high.

On Thursday, the city of El Paso reported 73 people were currently hospitalized from COVID-19 alongside 20 people being treated in intensive care units and five people on ventilators. The city/county public health dashboard reported 463 new cases alongside two deaths. The death toll stands at 3,512 and there have been 256,933 positive tests so far.

Six weeks ago, El Paso's weekly average positivity rate stood at almost 16% with 724 active cases. Since then, coronavirus cases have exploded. Last week, the city and county reported a weekly average positivity rate of almost 72% as 5,580 COVID-19 cases were active.

City of El Paso offers free COVID-19 vaccines

Free vaccinations and booster shots are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at any of the city’s community clinics listed below:

  • 220 S. Stanton St. (Corner of First and Stanton)

  • 7380 Remcon Circle

  • 9566 Railroad Drive

  • 110 Candelaria St.

COVID-19 vaccines do not require an appointment but are recommended to avoid long wait times. Appointments can be booked at EPCovidVaccine.com or by calling 915-212-6843.

The city also offers free COVID-19 testing sites from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at one of the city’s three community clinics listed below:

  • 9341 Alameda Ave.

  • 7380 Remcon Circle

  • 9566 Railroad Drive

Residents are required to schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment by visiting EPStrong.org or by calling 915-212-6843.

More:El Paso City Council OKs $154 million from federal COVID-19 funds to city programs

More:COVID-19 infections increasing; city of El Paso offers Pfizer vaccine booster to children

Anthony Jackson may be reached at ADJackson@elpasotimes.com and @TonyAnjackson on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso health leaders warn of increasing COVID-19 cases