Weekly Amarillo COVID-19 update notes 1 new death, 685 active cases

From Staff Reports
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The Amarillo Department of Public Health (APHD) noted one new death related to the coronavirus and 685 cases of COVID-19 currently active for the week of March 23-29. In addition, APHD released its weekly flu report, noting: "Flu continues to decrease in numbers. We are happy to report that we have no positive RSV cases, and no deaths related to flu this week."

According to the Amarillo Department of Public Health's weekly COVID-19 report card, there were 125 new cases, with the overall total rising to 91,027 COVID-19 cases, 685 total active cases, a seven-day positivity rate of 11% and 1,339 deaths.

The Amarillo Department of Public Health's weekly flu report for March 27 notes flu case numbers continue to wind down for the season.
The Amarillo Department of Public Health's weekly flu report for March 27 notes flu case numbers continue to wind down for the season.
The Amarillo Department of Public Health's weekly COVID-19 report, for the week of March 23-29.
The Amarillo Department of Public Health's weekly COVID-19 report, for the week of March 23-29.

The weekly report is available at www.AmarilloAlerts.com/reportcard. The report also notes the status of local hospital capacity, based on data from BSA Health System, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, and Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center. According to the report, 583 total hospital beds are currently occupied, a decrease from the previous week, with 101 total beds occupied in the ICU and 22 ventilators in use. These numbers include patients with and without COVID-19.

According to the health department's website, there have been a total of 695,843 tests administered locally since the beginning of the pandemic. Potter County's total cases since the start of the pandemic rose to 43,702, with 789 deaths related to the virus. Randall County's total COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic rose to 47,347, with 551 deaths related to the virus, according to the site Friday.

The website also noted seven COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, with four in the ICU and none on ventilators. In Amarillo school numbers, a total of 38 cases were reported over the past 14 days, according to the site.

Safeguard those still at high risk

With the public health emergency declarations ending on May 11, it is important to continue to safeguard those still at high risk for COVID-19 – the elderly and immunocompromised. In 2022, nearly 90 percent of deaths from the coronavirus in the United States were among people ages 65 and older, according to an APHD news release. In addition to the high percentage of elderly COVID deaths, individuals who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) are also at high risk because they are more likely to get sick with COVID or to be sick for a longer period of time.

COVID vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, an individual is best protected when they are up-to-date on recommended vaccines and boosters. The CDC recommends one updated Covid booster dose for everyone ages 5 years and older who completed the primary series and children ages 6 months to 4 years who completed the primary series.

View vaccine recommendations for moderately to severely immunocompromised people. In addition to the elderly and immunocompromised, Amarillo Public Health also encourages family, friends and caregivers to stay-up-to date on vaccines and boosters to help protect their loved ones.

Upcoming mobile vaccine clinics

Amarillo Public Health encourages residents to take advantage of the opportunity to receive free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters before the end of the public health emergency declarations on May 11. Upcoming mobile clinics include:

  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 1 at the Community Baby Shower at MORE Church, 5511 E. Amarillo Blvd.

  • Noon to 5 p.m. on April 1 at the Visible Revolution Celebration, 1501 28th St.

  • 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 4 at the Start Your New Business Class, 1502 S. Cleveland St.

  • 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 6 at the Age Wars – Eldercare Conference, 6222 SW 9th Ave.

  • Noon to 4 p.m. on April 8 at the Easter Eggcitement at the Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail

Free vaccines and boosters are available Monday through Thursday with no appointment required at the Amarillo Public Health Department, 850 Martin Road, and Amarillo Public Health mobile clinics. Nurses will be available at the mobile clinics to answer health-related questions. Learn more, including how to schedule a free ride to the Amarillo Public Health Department, at www.AmarilloAlerts.com/findavaccine.

For the latest Covid information or to find vaccine locations, visit www.AmarilloAlerts.com.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Weekly COVID-19 update notes 1 new death, 685 active cases