The Woodlands Township COVID-19 Update, Tuesday, January 5, 2021

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Currently, vaccines are being distributed through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) directly to individual providers such as hospitals, pharmacies, physicians’ offices and clinics. At this time, Montgomery County Public Health District (MCPHD) is not involved in mass distribution of the vaccine to the public.

Vaccines are currently available only to certain populations, including healthcare workers, long-term care residents, those over the age of 65 and those with certain health conditions. The best course of action for the general public at this time is to keep up with the state’s timeline for availability here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx.

A map shows where provider locations are available in your area. Once you have determined that you are eligible for a vaccine and found a provider on the link above, contact the preferred provider to confirm the vaccine’s availability and make an appointment if necessary. Read the complete release from MCPHD.
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.

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

County News
Montgomery County COVID-19 Case Count January 5, 2021
Montgomery County Public Health District, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, encourages all residents to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Until this virus is under control, please recommit to following these guidelines:

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.
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.
TOTAL cases of COVID-19 increased by 485 to 28,812 since yesterday’s (1/4) report. Of the 485 new cases, 481 were tested since 12/24/2020.
ACTIVE cases of COVID-19 decreased by 206 to 8,928 since yesterday’s (1/4) report. On Tuesdays, additional cases are factored in that were unable to be contacted for more than 30 days. Today, there are 569 additional “inactive” cases.
61 residents are known, as a result of contact investigations, to be in the hospital. Contact investigations have not been initiated on all reported cases.
14,560 people have clinically recovered.
*These numbers include PCR and rapid antigen testing. Antibody testing is not included. Have questions? Please go to https://mcphd-tx.org/ and scroll down to the FAQs.

The Testing Positivity Rate for Montgomery County is 15%. This number is updated weekly on Wednesdays. Source: UT Health, School of Public Health.

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 2,591 confirmed positive cases with 573 active cases, and 77389 has 1,461 confirmed positive cases with 323 active cases.

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.

COVID-19 Case Count Brief from The Woodlands Fire Department
All numbers since December 29, 2020

Montgomery County

28,812 – Confirmed +2433
8,928 – Active +1157
189 – Deaths +2
14,560 – Recovered +705
61 – Hospitalized +13

Harris County

126,767- Confirmed +8763
21,129 - Active Cases +3417
1,091 - Deaths +14
104,530 - Recovered +5331
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.

National News
It’s a Good Time 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 as winter approaches, 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.

Additional CDC Vaccine Information
Because the supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is limited at first, initial supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine are allocated to healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents.

Read the following CDC articles for more information. 8 Things to Know About the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program, When Vaccine is Limited, Who Gets Vaccinated First?, Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination.

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

Beware of Scams Related to the Vaccine
While we wait for a timeline and more information on the roll-out of the vaccines to the general public, there’s no doubt scammers will be scheming. 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.

Community Resources
Numerous resources are available in the community for support. These vary from food banks to financial assistance and much more. Please visit the Community Resources webpage to find more information about resources in the community related to COVID-19.

Community Assistance Center Hosts Free Market for Groceries
Community Assistance Center and the Montgomery County Food Bank will host a free market on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 8 a.m., at 1022 McCall Ave, Conroe, TX 77301. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and free groceries will be available while supplies last. For more information, please visit www.cac-mctx.org.

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.

Stay Connected with The Woodlands Township
Please stay connected to The Woodlands Township through our many communications channels. Learn more and sign up at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed.