November 11, 2020 – Given recent changes in COVID-19 positive test results, Ochiltree General Hospital would like to offer some insight into where our community stands on current COVID-19 positive patients.
As of Tuesday, November 10, 2020, Ochiltree General has tested 111 Ochiltree County positive residents and 43 positive residents of other counties in the last 14 days. Though those numbers appear to be trending down based on positive results alone, our county is still on Level Red Status through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Here are a few very important thoughts to keep in mind:
The results reported by Ochiltree General Hospital only include those individuals tested at Ochiltree General. Our numbers do not include patients tested at other facilities or patients who are transferred from other facilities to OGH.
Reported numbers of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 likely represent only a fraction of the actual positive cases in our county. For instance, someone with a positive test might live in a home with others who end up positive without being tested. Please remember a great deal of people may remain asymptomatic while still spreading COVID-19.
Though wearing protective masks may not protect everyone 100 percent of the time from the virus, current data suggests masks do help contain the spread of the virus.
“With the overwhelming amount information available about COVID-19, we want to ensure our community that your local healthcare providers are staying up to date on the latest information regarding the pandemic,” says Primary Care Physician Dr. Jennifer McGaughy. “We are asking the community to practice COVID-19 safe practices – including wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands – as we enter into flu season while still enduring COVID-19.”
Your local hospital wants to point out that many surrounding communities are experiencing increases in positive results while all using different methods of testing. That is the very definition of a pandemic. We encourage all of our friends and neighbors to practice COVID-19 precautions.
The full-service onsite Laboratory Department at Ochiltree General is proud to offer COVID-19 PCR testing as well as antibody testing 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a physician’s order. For a list of local primary care physicians, please visit www.ochiltreehospital.com/physicians.
Ochiltree General Hospital, your hometown critical access hospital, offers an expansive collection of programs and services designed with you in mind. From our Obstetrics and Women’s Health services to the programs at The Seasons Assisted Living, our aim is to provide for you and your loved ones no matter the stage of life or need.
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