Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Craig Moreau reported that, as predicted, Omicron has become the predominant strain throughout the region and the vast majority of cases are now the Omicron variant.
In a press release issued on Thursday, Dec. 20, Moreau said that the Delta variant has fallen to less than 10 percent of new cases and that Beta, Mu, as well as the original COVID-19 virus are still seen occasionally but are statistically insignificant.
“We do not have county specific data yet, only regional data,” Moreau said.
In general, patients have reported less severe symptoms with Omicron than they did with Delta, Beta, or the original COVID-19 virus.
“Thankfully, our local and regional hospitals have not seen a significant rise in admissions even though the total case counts are rising quickly,” Moreau said. “Many of the patients reporting to ERs and doctors’ offices simply want to be tested to see if their minor symptoms are indeed COVID-19 related. Be aware that all tests are in high demand right now and supplies may be strained.
“To preserve tests, your physician or nurse practitioner may advise that if you have multiple people from a single household with identical symptoms and one of them has already tested positive, the rest may be considered a ‘presumed positive,’” he said.
For medical and isolation guidelines, a “presumed” positive patient receives the same treatment and advice as one who has tested positive, according to Moreau.
TESTING INFORMATION
• In Schulenburg:
The Apothecary – limited supply of both PCR and rapid antigen tests; by appointment only; www.doineedacovid19test.com;
Your Hometown Pharmacy – rapid antigen tests by appointment only;
• In La Grange:
Pharm House Drugs – rapid antigen testing, by appointment only;
Walmart – PCR tests through Quest labs, register at www. questcovid19.com;
First Aid Urgent Care – rapid antigen testing, walk-ins welcome;
• In Flatonia:
Your Hometown Pharmacy – rapid antigen tests by appointment only;
• In Smithville:
1501 Dorothy Nichols Road – rapid antigen testing, walk-ins welcome;
• In Bastrop:
First Aid Urgent Care – rapid antigen testing, walk-ins welcome;
• In Giddings:
Davam Urgent Care – rapid antigen testing, walk-ins welcome.
For information on testing statewide and other issues related to COVID-19, visit: www.tdem.texas.gov/disasters/covid-19.