The county reported 1,812 new cases from Jan. 24-28, the highest weekly total ever reported. Six new coronavirus-related deaths were also reported in the county this week, four of which were New Braunfels residents; one was a resident of Southern Comal County; and one was a resident of Canyon Lake. A total of 496 coronavirus-related deaths of county residents has been reported.
County hospitals Jan. 28 reported caring for 58 COVID-19 patients, down from 63 on Jan. 21. Local hospitalizations have remained above 50 since Jan. 12.
Eight of the patients were in intensive care and four were on ventilators as of Jan. 28. According to the county, 79% of the patients in county hospitals with COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center reported caring for 28 COVID-19 patients Jan. 27, and the seven-day moving average for new coronavirus-related admissions was six per day, according to a press release.
The hospital also reported high numbers of asymptomatic persons requesting COVID-19 testing at the emergency room, and hospital officials urged patients to seek alternative testing locations if they do not have symptoms requiring emergency care.
In New Braunfels several new testing sites have opened at Tree of Life Church and Oak Hills Pharmacy, and New Braunfels ISD will host a drive-thru testing site on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 from 9a.m.-3 p.m.
For a complete list of testing sites and availability, visit the Department of State Health Services website or order up to four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the United States Postal Service.
As of Jan. 28, 92,174, or 62.79%, of Comal County residents are fully vaccinated and 35,478 have received a booster dose.
In Guadalupe County, 88,231, or 56.4%, of residents are fully vaccinated and 30,835 have received a booster dose.
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 healthcare 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.
