On Sept. 14, Comal County reported 279 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 17,279. Of the newly reported cases, 193 were confirmed, and 86 were probable. The county also reported seven new coronavirus-related deaths for a total of 401 deaths recorded among county residents since March 2020. The deaths occurred between Sept. 8-12 and were those of two New Braunfels women, two New Braunfels men, one Canyon Lake man, one Canyon Lake woman and one Bulverde woman.

An additional 153 recoveries were reported, bringing the total to 15,245 recoveries. A total of 1,633 active probable and confirmed cases were reported as of Sept. 13.

Comal County hospitals Sept. 13 reported caring for 51 COVID-19 patients, 15 of which were in intensive care and six 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 16.81% of total hospital capacity Sept. 13, down from 18.7% Sept. 7. A total of 23 Comal County residents were reportedly hospitalized with the virus as of Sept. 13, though not all residents are hospitalized within county hospitals.

As of Sept. 13, a total of 92,227 Comal County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 79,756 have been fully vaccinated. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 59.84% of 133,278 county residents over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated, and 69.2% have received at least one dose.

In Guadalupe County, a total of 87,199 residents had received at least one dose of a vaccine and 75,934 had been fully vaccinated as of Sept. 13. According to the DSHS, 54.29% 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.

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 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 currently 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 utilize the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online search tool to find a testing site.