Montgomery County records decrease in new COVID-19 cases in Jan. 18 update

Commissioners are expected to review a presentation for county American Rescue Plan Act funding for protective equipment and testing in the county at an upcoming commissioners court session. Millsaps told commissioners that getting either rapid antigen or PCR tests was difficult for his staff.

“That’s our biggest challenge, getting antigen tests,” Millsaps said.

Hospitalizations decreasing

The SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council reported 267 patients in Montgomery County hospital beds as of Jan. 18, a decrease from the previous week’s 298. There are 227 patients in general care, while 40 are in intensive care, per SETRAC data.

COVID-19 patients in Montgomery County make up 25.4% of total hospital patients, a drop from 28.17% reported Jan. 11.

County hospitals saw 97 new patients admitted on Jan. 13, the highest amount in the past seven days, per SETRAC data. Since then, new patient totals have decreased, with 29 new patients admitted on Jan. 17.

According to Montgomery County’s vaccination data, 325,936 or 58.06% of residents over the age of 5 have received at least two doses. The county is targeting a 70% vaccination rate, which is equivalent to just under 400,000 people.