MIXED OPINIONS FROM WASHINGTON CO. HEALTH AUTHORITY ON END TO COVID-19 MANDATES
Washington County’s health authority is torn over Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to no longer require facemasks and remove statewide COVID-19 restrictions.
Dr. William Loesch says the current situation surrounding the coronavirus appears to be improving locally, with case numbers dropping and vaccinations rising. However, he is also worried that this decision may have been “a bit premature” and may lead to problems down the road.
Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) says as of Tuesday, 5,877 people in the county have received at least one vaccine dose, while 1,796 have been fully vaccinated. DSHS estimates the county’s population of residents 16 and older—those who are eligible to receive the vaccine—to be 29,086.
The county as of today (Wednesday) reported an estimated 427 active cases, 3,166 recoveries and 84 deaths, according to DSHS. It also reported 3,042 confirmed cases and 635 probable cases.
At the end of the day, Dr. Loesch said this is a matter of personal responsibility.
Dr. Loesch said only time will tell, but he remains hopeful that normal activities will resume by the summertime.