Local COVID-19 numbers have placed a strain on area hospitals

Local COVID-19 numbers have surged and are now at the same level as when things shut down via the Texas governor’s order, according to Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Dub Thomas. “Since July 29, Peterson Regional Medical Center has notified me of 205 additional cases of COVID-19.”

As of Tuesday, August 10, there were 29 people hospitalized in Peterson Regional Medical Center for treatment of COVID-19, eight of which where in the ICU. According to Peterson Health Chief Nursing Officer Kaeli Dressler, seven patients were on ventilators.

Kerr County’s vaccination rate is an estimated 37%, a rate considered too low for herd immunity. Kerr County is part of 27 counties which comprise the Alamo Area Council of Governments Region 6, which is currently experiencing an “overloaded” hospital capacity.

According to local health officials, the active COVID-19 cases being treated at the end of last week in Peterson Regional Medical Center were all in unvaccinated individuals. Thomas stressed that, “This isn’t a political issue. It’s a public health issue.”

There are several upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics:

Saturday, August 14: Kerrville Independent School District will host a vaccination clinic in the Tivy High School Gym, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wednesday, August 18: Schreiner University will host a vaccination clinic in the campus’ event center, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday, August 23: Kerr County is tentatively planning to host a vaccination clinic at the Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27 in Kerrville, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More information will be released when finalized.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday: Any veteran of the United States Armed Forces can receive their free vaccine at the Kerrville VA, in the recreation hall of the main building, on those days from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: Peterson Urgent Care offers weekly vaccination clinics Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. To make an appointment, call (830) 258-7373, and select “Option 2.”

Vaccines are available at most local pharmacies.