DR. LOESCH: RECENT UPTICK IN COVID-19 CASES IN WASHINGTON CO. RESULT OF “DELAYED REPORTING”
WASHINGTON CO. HEALTH AUTHORITY ESTIMATES ACTIVE CASE COUNT BELOW 30
Recent state reports show COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Washington County, but local health officials say the recent surge in cases is not necessarily accurate.
As of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the county had 616 total positive cases, 58 active cases, 510 recoveries, and 48 deaths. The active case count Wednesday is an increase of 18 cases from last Friday, according to the data from DSHS.
However, Washington County Health Authority Dr. William Loesch said after speaking with Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke that he believes nearly all of the cases reported over the last three days are from delayed reporting. Dr. Loesch said most of the cases reported Tuesday have already recovered, and were only just recently reported to DSHS.
Dr. Loesch said local officials are still seeing a “smattering” of cases here and there, averaging out to about one per day. He said he spoke Tuesday with officials at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Brenham, who say they have one COVID-19 patient that is nearly recovered and waiting to return home. He estimates the county’s active case count is actually below 30.
Dr. Loesch said this is not an excuse for the public to let its guard down, but he believes cases are “settling out nicely”. He said it remains to be seen over the next few weeks if there will be any increase in cases from Labor Day or the Washington County Fair, but so far, officials have not seen a massive uptick in cases from schools reopening. Neither Brenham nor Burton ISDs have reported positive cases of COVID-19 at this time.