Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins reported 372 new COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths on Monday.
Gov. Abbott says state officials are preparing for omicron variant, KERA reports. Governor Greg Abbott says steps are being taken to prepare for possible increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in response to the new Omicron variant. Abbott says the state is making COVID vaccinations and testing more easily available. There has already been an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the last week. Nearly 60% of eligible Texans have been vaccinated.
Baylor and UT Southwestern experts urge maintained vigilance against COVID, WFAA reports. According to UT Southwestern’s latest projections, hospitalizations could increase over the holidays if vaccination rates remain the same. Dr. David Winter of Baylor Scott & White says it is still important to observe COVID protocols. The omicron variant, paired with flu season, heightened vigilance, is recommended by wearing masks, following proper hygiene, and getting the vaccine or the booster shot.
Fort Worth epidemiologist days omicron variant has likely been here, NBC DFW reports. UNT Health Science Center’s Dr. Shane Fernando, clinical epidemiologist and assistant professor of pediatrics, expects the omicron variant of Sars-CoV-2 to have been circulating in some areas for some time before the initial confirmed case on Dec. 1. Fernando says, “If we manage to vaccinate to herd immunity, we should prevent omicron from doing to society what delta did.”
