COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATION RATE IN BRAZOS VALLEY BELOW 15 PERCENT FOR FIRST TIME SINCE DECEMBER
The COVID-19 hospitalization rate for the Brazos Valley has fallen below 15 percent for the first time since December.
Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shows that Trauma Service Area N—consisting of Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington counties—dipped under 15 percent on Friday to a rate of 13.54 percent. That rate increased to 13.84 percent on Saturday.
Area N has been above the 15 percent threshold for Governor Greg Abbott’s reopening orders since December 22nd. If the hospitalization rate remains under 15 percent for seven consecutive days, certain occupancy limits pertaining to Abbott’s orders can be lifted.
According to DSHS, a total of 88 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in the region as of Sunday. One intensive care unit bed was available.
State data shows 114 of the 636 staffed hospital beds in the region were available Sunday. Those numbers include all patients who are hospitalized, not just patients with COVID-19.
In Washington County, DSHS figures indicate an estimated 129 active cases and 1,568 recoveries as of Sunday. The county has reported 1,322 confirmed cases, 448 probable cases, and 73 deaths.