As area COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise, Peterson announces new visitation policies

Local COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise for the third consecutive week. “As of today, August 2, there are 28 individuals suffering from COVID infections so severe that they need care in Peterson Regional Medical Center. “That is the highest hospitalization rate we have had here locally since January 26, when we saw 29 PRMC inpatients receiving care for COVID-19,” said Dub Thomas, Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator.

Thomas added that those 28 individuals are consuming a full 25% of Peterson Regional Medical Center’s entire available bed capacity, which means that there are fewer resources available to handle other possible illnesses or accidents.

As of August 2, Peterson Health is not allowing children 16 years and younger to enter the hospital and is requiring all visitors, employees and guests to wear masks, including non-clinical staff. Shares Audrey Cortez, Director of Patient Experience, “We are seeing large numbers of children congregating in the hospital and visiting family and we have no way of verifying if they are vaccinated or not.”

Across the Alamo Area Council of Governments region comprised of Kerr County and 27 other counties, the Regional Medical Operations Center reports that, as of August 2, there are 887 COVID-19 patient hospitalizations, or 10.3%. This recent figure is the highest patient count since February 26, with 10.7%.

Thomas continues to stress the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations. Hospital officials report 99% of the new infections are happening to those individuals who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Citizens are urged to get their free vaccine from a local pharmacy or through Peterson Urgent Care’s weekly vaccination clinic held Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. To make an appointment, call (830) 258-7373, and select “Option 2.”

As of Monday, August 2, 39,336 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Kerr County. A total of 19,147 Kerr County residents are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in Texas have doubled in less than two weeks, according to the Texas Department of Health Services. There are 6,853 COVID-19 patients, as of Monday, August 2, which is the highest number since February 22, 2021. As of August 2, there are 140,804 active coronavirus cases and the official statewide death toll stands at 52,110. The number of eligible Texans who are fully vaccinated is 52.85%.