SAN ANGELO, Texas — It may seem like the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us but it is in fact still spreading.
COVID-19 cases have decreased in Tom Green County and the mask guidance was eased by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But the omicron sub variant BA.2 has been reported in the United States, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, and it's causing concern.
COVID Treatment Clinics and COVID Testing Solutions founder James Taylor M.D. wants people to continue to be cautious of the virus at all times because the sub variant is continuing to spread.
“Here in the U.S. it feels like we can take this deep breath and we can. But I am concerned with the sub variant surge in Russia and China having the chance of coming here and creating another small surge,” Taylor said.
In Tom Green County, there have been 40,901 total positive cases, with 50 active cases, and one death this week according to Tom Green County health officials.
At home testing played a major role in keeping up with who tested negative or positive.
“It's interesting to me because we really don't have a sense of how many people are doing those tests. Again, there's no requirement for them to report it. So it is going to alter before the home test there. We pretty much had data on any positive test from you, whether it be a pharmacy or a hospital or clinic. But that's going to change going forward,” Shannon Clinic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Doug Schultz explained.
The biggest tips from both health officials to prevent contracting/continuing the spread is to get vaccinated, stay home if you feel symptoms, exercise, and wear your mask when needed.