Beginning in late March, the antigen positivity rate in Comal County remained at approximately 5% until late June, when the percentage of positive tests began to rise.
As of July 26, the molecular positivity rate was reported to be 11.18%, and the antigen positivity rate was reported to be 11.27% , compared to 8.23% and 8.13%, respectively, on July 19.
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 PCR tests. Both indicate a current infection.
Since July 19, Comal County has reported 359 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 12,132. Of the 359 new cases, 312 were recorded during the week of July 19-25, the highest weekly number of new cases since the week of Feb. 8-14.
An additional 34 recoveries have been reported, bringing the total to 11,260 recoveries as of July 26. The county has 537 active, confirmed cases.
A total of 335 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in the county with four new deaths reported since July 19.
Comal County hospitals on July 26 reported caring for 35 COVID-19 patients, 11 of which were in intensive care units, and four were on ventilators.
Comal County also reported nine county residents were hospitalized with the coronavirus, though not all county residents are hospitalized within county hospitals, down from 20 residents who were hospitalized July 23.
“Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients are up in local hospitals,” said Cheryl Fraser, Comal County director of public health, in a statement. “We’re also seeing more children who are presenting sicker with COVID-19.”
The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Trauma Service Area P was reported to be 7.07% of total hospital capacity July 26, up from 2.4% on July 1.
As of July 26, a total of 81,810 Comal County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 71,754 have been fully vaccinated. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 53.84% of 133,278 county residents over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated, and 61.38% have received at least one dose.
In Guadalupe County, a total of 76,121 residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine and 67,123 have been fully vaccinated as of July 26. According to the DSHS, 47.99% of 139,873 county residents over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated and 54.42% have received at least one dose.
Due to rising case counts, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is not allowing ICU or COVID-19 patients to have any visitors, and other patients are only allowed one visitor at a time.
At the hospital, 80% of the 52 COVID-19 patients that have been hospitalized within the last 30 days were not fully vaccinated, while nine were fully vaccinated.
“Being vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself against the virus,” Fraser said in a statement.
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 utilize the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online search tool to find a testing site.
