News

The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update – January 28

By The Woodlands Township | January 29, 2021

The Woodlands Township shared the following COVID-19 Update on Thursday, January 28.

VACCINE NEWS

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Designated as COVID-19 Vaccine Hub
The State of Texas has designated Houston Methodist as a COVID-19 vaccine hub. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is receiving a large delivery of vaccine to hold a vaccination event on its campus February 4 through February 7, 2021, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Medical Office Building II on the first floor. Houston Methodist is honored to have the opportunity to vaccinate members of the Montgomery County community.

The goal is to vaccinate as many people as possible, only limited by supply of vaccine. Montgomery County residents who are 65 and older may schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting this link: https://www.houstonmethodist.org/texas-vaccine-hub/

The link will open for scheduling at noon on Friday, January 29, 2021. If you do not get an appointment, you will be placed on a waitlist. Please note that walk-ins will not be accepted and IDs must be presented onsite.

Houston Methodist is working very hard to vaccinate the community as supplies allow. Thank you for your desire to be vaccinated — together we can stop the spread.

St. Luke’s Health—The Woodlands Hospital Designated as COVID-19 Vaccine Hub
St. Luke’s Health—The Woodlands Hospital is coordinating closely with Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to ensure effective vaccine distribution in our community and is participating in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines according to the state guidelines for distribution.

St. Luke’s—The Woodlands Hospital vaccine hub is fully operational as of Wednesday, January 27, 2021, and will remain in operation for as long as it continues to receive a steady supply of the vaccine. Vaccines are allocated by the state on a weekly basis and will be given until exhausted.

Those interested in receiving the vaccine are asked to complete an interest form online to be placed on their waiting list for future vaccine allocations. Vaccine supply remains limited. They will continue to expand their vaccination capacity as more supply of the vaccine is available.

More Vaccine Doses Coming to Texas
Another 332,750 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be delivered to 212 facilities across Texas this week, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). “That includes 82 hub providers that will focus on larger community vaccination efforts.” The state also has ordered 216,350 doses intended as the second dose, DSHS said. Read more information.

What Is a Vaccine Hub?
Beginning in January, Texas established large vaccination sites or hubs around the state. The goal of these hubs is to provide more people the vaccine and a simpler way to sign up for an appointment. Providers will focus on vaccinating areas and populations hardest hit by COVID‑19. Phase 1A and 1B individuals are eligible to receive a vaccine at these hubs, regardless of where they reside.

Phase 1A: Front-line healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities
Phase 1B: People over 65 or with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19

Supply is limited; please be patient. Thank you for your patience as Texas receives more vaccine every week. Find a Vaccine Hub Near You.

Four Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine
The Texas Department of State Health provides important information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Read the full article.

Safety is a top priority and the COVID-19 vaccine has been evaluated in tens of thousands of volunteers during clinical trials.
The vaccines are highly effective and will most likely require two doses for full protection.
You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine as it does not use the live virus.
Texas is already distributing the vaccine and will continue as more becomes available.

For more information on how the COVID-19 vaccine works, watch the video from Chief State Epidemiologist, Jennifer Shuford, MD.

Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
Messenger RNA vaccines—also called mRNA vaccines—are some of the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for cells to make a harmless piece of the so-called “spike protein”, which the virus uses to enter cells in the body. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them. The immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there and begins making antibodies to protect against future infection. People who get vaccinated gain this protection without having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Read the full article from the CDC.

COVID-19 Texas Vaccination Data Dashboard
A dashboard is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services showing COVID-19 vaccination data in Texas. The dashboard has many aspects of important information in sum and by county for variables including vaccine distribution, type of organizations receiving the distributions, doses administered and people vaccinated. View the dashboard.

Scammers cash in on COVID-19 vaccination confusion
With every passing day, the news on COVID-19 vaccine distribution seems to change. One reason is that distribution varies by state and territory. And scammers, always at the ready, are taking advantage of the confusion. Besides a big dose of patience, here are some tips to help you avoid a vaccine-related scam. Read the full article.

Beware of Scams Related to the Vaccine
Read the full article for what you need to know to avoid a vaccine-related scam. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a new website, ReportFraud.ftc.gov, where consumers can easily report fraud and all other consumer issues directly to the FTC.

Be Sure to Get Your Flu Vaccine
While the United States remains focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to be aware of flu season with activity peaking between December and February. Getting vaccinated now can lower your chances of getting the flu. Flu vaccines approved by the FDA provide important benefits and are your best defense from flu and its potential complications. Learn more from the FDA.

COVID-19 TESTING

Curative Testing at the Township
Testing is taking place at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, Texas 77381, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Customers are asked to submit their insurance information. Testing is offered at no cost to the customer. Customers without insurance will still be tested at no personal cost using coverage from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. Walk-ups are welcome.

A second testing site in The Woodlands is located at Sterling Ridge Park and Ride, 8001 McBeth Way. The site is open through January 31, 2021. It is a “self-serve” drive-thru operation with hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

For more information about COVID-19 testing by Curative, please visit the Township website, or www.curative.com.

Please note the FDA issued a warning regarding false test results from Curative.

New COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Air Passengers Arriving in the U.S.
If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States. You will need to show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery. This can be proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel. Read the full article from the CDC for additional information.

COUNTY NEWS

Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count January 28, 2021
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, is recommending all residents recommit to CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Avoid groups of people.
Practice social distancing.
Wear a mask in public (over your nose and mouth) or with others who live outside your household. Never share a mask with others.
Teach children proper hygiene and the correct way to wear a mask.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
Disinfect surfaces in your car and around your home.
As supply and eligibility increases, consider getting vaccinated.

For information and to check availability of vaccines, please visit the new Vaccination Page on the Coronavirus Hub for Montgomery County here: https://coronavirus-response-moco.hub.arcgis.com/pages/vaccinations. Also, be sure to follow the MCPHD Facebook page (Montgomery County Public Health @mctx_publichealth) for updates when vaccines are available for registration.

Today, there are two additional deaths related to COVID-19.

A woman in her 60s, from Spring, died in the hospital. She had co-morbidities in addition to testing positive for COVID-19.
A woman in her 70s, from Conroe, died in the hospital. She had co-morbidities in addition to testing positive for COVID-19.

Also confirmed:

TOTAL cases of COVID-19 increased by 347 to 38,904 since yesterday’s (1/27) report. All 347 new cases were tested since 1/14/2021.
ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 increased by 184 to 7,213 since yesterday’s (1/27) report.
83 county residents are known, as a result of contact investigations, to be in the hospital. Contact investigations have not been initiated on all reported cases.
18,247 people have clinically recovered.

The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update, Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Testing Positivity Rate for Montgomery County is 17%, down from 21% last week. This number is updated weekly on Wednesdays.Source: UT Health, School of Public Health
You can view the case-by-case updates on the MCPHD website. You can also refer to the dashboard.

Do you have questions regarding COVID-19, COVID-19 testing or vaccines? The Montgomery County COVID-19 Call Center’s number is 936-523-3916. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harris County COVID-19 Case Count
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) publishes their daily case count, combined with the City of Houston’s daily case count, here. Cases by zip code in Harris County can be found by clicking on areas of the map.

The Village of Creekside Park is located in two zip codes: 77375 and 77389, and these also include Magnolia, Augusta Pines/Auburn Lakes/West Rayford Road in northwest Harris County. Today, Harris County is reporting zip code 77375 has 3,302 confirmed positive cases with 609 active cases, and 77389 has 1,843 confirmed positive cases with 327 active cases.

COVID-19 Case Count Brief from The Woodlands Fire Department
All numbers since January 26, 2021

Montgomery County

38,075 – Confirmed +2904
6,668 – Active -1184
206 – Deaths +5
17,967 – Recovered +668
79 – Hospitalized -3

Harris County

156,301 – Confirmed +2059
25,917 – Active Cases -958
1,164 – Deaths +5
129,202 – Recovered +3011

Montgomery County Testing
Do you have questions regarding COVID-19 or COVID-19 testing? The Montgomery County COVID-19 Call Center’s number is 936-523-3916. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harris County Testing
Residents may also sign up for free COVID-19 testing online at hcphtx.org. Call 832-927-7575 for more information.

RESOURCES

View Hospital Use Through SouthEast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC)
SETRAC is a powerful coalition of providers, responders and other healthcare related partners united together to save lives and improve health outcomes through research, education and collaboration. You can find more information and view hospital use related to COVID-19 on their website, setrac.org.

Township Neighborhood Watch to Host Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Don’t miss your chance to save lives by donating blood! Donors will be entered to win a free round-trip domestic airline flight on Spirit Airlines. Schedule your appointment today.

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donor Coach
6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389

Please note, appointments are preferred. The Blood Center requires that donors wear a mask or face covering when at a blood drive. In the case that you do not have one, staff will offer you one. The safety of donors and staff are important to us. Your support is greatly appreciated.

United Way Offers Free Resources to Help the Community
United Way of Greater Houston Montgomery County Center will limit hours of operation to Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide resources to the community. Tele-assistance services are available by calling 281-292-4155.

United Way is also offering the following programs to help the community:

Please check our website for United Way COVID-19 updates at www.unitedwayhouston.org/work/disaster/coronavirus/.

Texans Recovering Together Offers Free COVID-19 Outreach
The purpose of the Texans Recovering Together program is to assist those who have been affected by COVID-19 through education, outreach, resiliency and recovery. If you or your family have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are here to help. Find more information about Texans Recovering Together.

The Woodlands Family YMCAs to Host Blood Donor Coach Tomorrow
January is the beginning of a new year and the perfect time to start the year celebrating National Blood Donor Month. Due to increased seasonal illnesses during the winter months and inclement weather conditions, donations of blood and platelets decline and demand increases.

Shadowbend YMCA, 6145 Shadowbend Place, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Friday, January 29, 2021 | 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Schedule Your Appointment Here

CDC COVID Data Tracker
The CDC provides updated national information online daily. CDC’s COVID Data Tracker has a County View to help make decisions about everyday activities.

Keep Up with Best Practices During the Pandemic at CDC.GOV
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The Woodlands Township COVID-19 eNewsletter
The Woodlands Township COVID-19 (Coronavirus) informational enewsletter is published every Tuesday and Thursday and as needed. Manage your notifications and subscriptions.

Township’s Coronavirus Page
The Woodlands Township’s COVID-19 page can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covid19. This page features Montgomery and Harris county hubs, community resources and news from the Federal Government and the CDC. It also includes the latest news from the Township, partner agencies, important links, FAQs, live Twitter feeds and more.

Source: The Woodlands Township