LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Noraida Negron,

Laredo, Texas – The Laredo Health Department has seen an increase in total tested for COVID-19 in the last two days. With more testing occurring we are also observing more positive COVID-19 results. From Tuesday, December 21, and Wednesday, December 22, the identification of new cases doubled increasing our rolling 7-day collection to 158 cases as well as our Advisory Level to a Level III. Due to the holidays approaching we do forecast an increase in the number of new infections due to family gatherings.

New information about Omicron stated persons who contract the Omicron variant are 80% less likely to be hospitalized compared to previous variants and those hospitalized with Omicron are at a 70% lower risk of severe disease than delta, according to a new study by South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Disease 1. This is good news, as we are observing this trend in Laredo, a rise of new cases but hospital census remains stable. The Emergency Management Coordinator & Fire Chief, Guillermo Heard is always monitoring the census in hospitalizations and has constant contact with their administrators. If there is a need for support at our local hospitals, adequate requests will be made.

The City of Laredo would like to thank the community for participating in more testing, a great tool for surveillance. Below is important information the community needs to know:

· If you’re not vaccinated get vaccinated

· If you’re fully vaccinated get your booster

· If you will be visiting with family and friends get tested; know your status

· If you’re sick stay home

· If you know persons may not be vaccinated at a gathering recommend everyone wear facemasks

Lastly, the Health Department will not be reporting updates via our COVID-19 Dashboard on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1. Data will continue to be collected by epidemiology staff during the holidays and there will be no breaks in data, ensuring quality.