The county reported 1,359 new cases from Jan. 31-Feb. 4. Eight new coronavirus-related deaths were also reported in the county this week, three of which were New Braunfels residents and four were residents of Canyon Lake. A total of 504 coronavirus-related deaths of county residents have been reported.
County hospitals on Feb. 3 reported caring for 59 COVID-19 patients, down from 70 on Feb. 2. Local hospitalizations have remained above 50 since Jan. 12.
Hospitals reported 14 of the patients were in intensive care and nine were on ventilators as of Feb. 3. According to the county, 86% of the patients in county hospitals with COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated.
Guadalupe Regional Medical Center reported caring for 21 COVID-19 patients on Feb. 3 and the seven-day moving average for new coronavirus-related admissions was five 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.
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 Feb. 3, 92,586, or 63.07% of Comal County residents are fully vaccinated and 36,223 have received a booster dose.
In Guadalupe County, 88,655, or 56.67% of residents are fully vaccinated and 31,558 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 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.
