(Courtesy photo: County Judge Wade McKinney.)
Note: This interview was recorded in the County Judge’s courtroom on Wednesday, August 5.
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The Lead
There are more people in our community currently sick from COVID-19 than at any other time during the pandemic. Local medical officials are reiterating the need for people to wear masks, wash their hands, and social distance.
Key Points
* The COVID-19 numbers released around the state aren’t always accurate when looked at on a daily basis, but are important to spot trends and identify what is happening in the community. (3:20)
* The number of people in the hospital for COVID-19 is the statistic the County Judge tracks. (7:24)
* While it is starting to level off, hospitalizations in our region spiked in recent weeks. (8:00)
* UT Health officials send a letter to the County. The letter says, “Just a month ago, we were treating 25 inpatients each day. Now, we are treating more than 70 very sick COVID-19 inpatients per day throughout our hospital system.” (9:55)
* The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in Henderson County is about double that of the state. (10 percent vs. 20 percent) (15:23)
* Judge McKinney doesn’t think there are options other than what is in place to stop the spread of the virus. (20:14)
* The best precautions are still to wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands.
Quote
“The one thing we can know and drive a stake in the ground is we have more sickness with COVID-19. There’s no doubt. Period,” said Judge Wade McKinney.
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