An additional 192 recoveries were reported, bringing that total to 13,623. A total of 1,339 active probable and confirmed cases were reported as of Sept. 7. On Sept. 7, the county has reported four coronavirus-related deaths for a total of 382 deaths recorded among county residents since March 2020. The deaths were those of a Spring Branch man in his 50s, a New Braunfels man in his 80s, a New Braunfels woman in her 80s and a New Braunfels man in his 60s.
Comal County hospitals on Sept. 7 reported caring for 70 COVID-19 patients, 21 of which were in intensive care and 16 were on ventilators. According to the county, 95% of the patients in county hospitals with COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Trauma Service Area P was reported to be 18.7% of total hospital capacity on Sept. 7, down from 19.36% on Sept. 3.
A total of 22 Comal County residents were reportedly hospitalized with the virus as of Sept. 7, though not all residents are hospitalized within county hospitals.
As of Sept. 7, a total of 91,615 Comal County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine and 78,794 have been fully vaccinated. According to the DSHS, 59.12% of 133,278 county residents over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated and 68.74% have received at least one dose.
In Guadalupe County, a total of 86,566 residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine and 74,908 have been fully vaccinated as of Sept. 7. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 53.55% of 139,873 county residents over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated.
Comal County public health authorities announced Aug. 30 that moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals may schedule a third dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at least four weeks after their second dose through the county. “COVID[-19] numbers are at an all-time high and getting vaccinated is still our best shield against the virus. We encourage those who have not received the vaccine to consider it,” said Cheryl Fraser, Comal County director of public health, in a press release. “The hospitals are finding that most of the COVID patients are unvaccinated and very ill.”
Guidelines for who qualifies for a third dose can be found online and individuals should discuss their options with their primary health care provider.
Those interested in being vaccinated can visit the state DSHS website or speak to their primary care provider for information and to schedule an appointment.
COVID-19 testing sites are available throughout the region, and many area pharmacies and health care providers offer vaccination appointments. Home testing kits are also available at some in-person and online retailers.
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.