Mayor Anthony Williams addresses COVID spikes in Taylor County; no mandates coming

Greg Jaklewicz, Abilene Reporter-News
·2 min read
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Despite a summer surge in active COVID-19 cases in Taylor County, Mayor Anthony Williams said in Facebook Live comments Saturday he does not expect health mandates to be issued and that cases are declining locally.

"It has been a long time since we had this conversation about COVID-19," Williams said in a social media message Saturday morning.

He referred to the early days of the pandemic, which launched here in mid-March 2020.

"It would remain an unwelcome neighbor of ours for a long time," he said Saturday.

Currently, Abilene has 1,572 active cases of the coronavirus but the past two weeks have shown reductions of 14% and 16%, respectively, he said. "The thought is we are on the down slope."

Anthony Williams, addressing the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020. More than 1,500 active cases of new variants were reported to end July 2022 in Taylor County.
Anthony Williams, addressing the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020. More than 1,500 active cases of new variants were reported to end July 2022 in Taylor County.

That has been seen in other Texas cities, he said.

However, on Friday, a death was reported - the 647th over the past 28 months attributed to COVID-19 - and Hendrick Health moved its Community Safety Dial from 3 to 4, Severe. The highest level is 6.

More:Hendrick Health COVID safety dial ticks up to 4

Addressing questions about health mandates, Williams said none are in place. He noted Gov. Greg Abbott is opposed to those and "I would not feel comfortable putting mandates in at this time."

Williams said the two local Hendrick Medical Centers and their other facilities were going back to mask requirements at their facilities. That policy, announced Friday by the hospital system, begins Monday at all inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Chief of Staff Dr. Rob Wiley encouraged the public to be tested and vaccinated.

Williams noted that hospitalizations lag behind reported cases, "so we do anticipate more of our citizens being hospitalized," he said.

Hospitalizations Friday totaled 20, he said, with two in intensive care.

The mayor said 60% of Abilenians are vaccinated and those who are infected now with COVID have "very mild symptoms" compared to others.

The BA.5 and BA.2 strains that are going around are more contagious but "a lot less severe," he said.

"This variant continues to be very contagious, with low severity of serious illness," Wiley said Friday. "It has not affected our hospitalizations tremendously, and our ICU numbers continue to be low."

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Mayor Anthony Williams addresses COVID spikes; no mandates coming