As of July 19, the antigen positivity rate was reported to be 8.13%, and the molecular positivity rate was reported to be 8.23%, compared to 10.51% and 5.49%, respectively, on July 13.
The antigen positivity rate measures the number of positive results from rapid COVID-19 tests, while the molecular positivity rate measures the number of positive results from tests. Both indicate infection.
A total of 332 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in the county with four new deaths reported since July 12. As of July 19, the county has 423 active, confirmed cases.
Comal County hospitals on July 19 reported caring for 30 COVID-19 patients, six of which were in intensive care and three were on a ventilator. Comal County also reported 16 county residents were hospitalized with the coronavirus, though not all county residents are hospitalized within county hospitals. This is up from five residents who were hospitalized on July 6.
The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Trauma Service Area P was reported to be 4.56% of total hospital capacity on July 19 and has remained below 5% since March 16.
“We have definitely seen some improvement, but we are not out of the woods yet,” said Cheryl Fraser, Comal County Public Health director, in a statement. “COVID-19 numbers, including hospitalizations, are climbing again and patients are younger than we have seen in the past. I would encourage everyone who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated.”
The Comal County public health department is offering the Pfizer vaccine for people age 12 and older on Thursdays and the Moderna vaccine for people age 18 and older on Fridays, Fraser said.
As of July 19, a total of 80,616 Comal County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 71,129 have been fully vaccinated. According to the DSHS, 53.37% of 133,278 county residents over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated, and 60.49% have received at least one dose. In Guadalupe County, a total of 74,863 residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 66,429 have been fully vaccinated as of July 19. According to the DSHS, 47.49% of 139,873 county residents over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated and 53.52% have received at least one dose.
Those interested in being vaccinated can visit the county website or speak to their primary care provider for information and to schedule an appointment.
Residents can view a list of vaccine providers on the DSHS website or use the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services online search tool to find a testing site.
