Revised figures raise COVID deaths

Posted 11/19/20

An update in COVID-19 cases reported by the Northeast Texas Public Health District has resulted in a revised total of COVID-19-related deaths in Wood County to 50.

The previous count had been 28.

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Revised figures raise COVID deaths

Posted

An update in COVID-19 cases reported by the Northeast Texas Public Health District has resulted in a revised total of COVID-19-related deaths in Wood County to 50.

The previous count had been 28.

According to a news release from NETHealth, the district – which serves Wood and several surrounding counties – was given access to the state data base which included deaths not previously reported to the district.

“NET Health’s review of state death certificates has shown that (it) had not been receiving routine reports of death for individuals who passed in their homes, in hospices and at nursing homes and hospitals that are located outside of the 7-county area,” the release said. “This increase is due to the reconciliation of the state’s death totals with…local data, and not because (of) a significant rise in deaths recently.”

An accompanying chart showed two additional deaths in Wood County in July, seven each in August and September and four in October.

Prior death reports came primarily from hospitals and nursing homes.

NETHealth has also reported substantially higher rates of disease transmission throughout the region.

 “The community needs to know that rate of COVID-19 infections are dramatically increasing in our area,” says George Roberts, NET Health CEO. “We need everyone’s help to control the spread, especially with the upcoming holiday seasons.”

The latest graphic from the public health district shows the community spread level in Wood County rising to 38.9, which pushes into the “substantial” category, which is considered to be anything 35 and above.

The number represents the 7-Day Rolling Rate of COVID-19, which calculates the average number of all COVID-positive cases from the previous seven days, divides the total by the population of the county, then multiplies that answer by 100,000.

The latest statistics show Wood County with 805 confirmed and 1,126 total cases, which includes probable cases from antigen tests.

The death count rose to 51 on Monday, with 42 of those confirmed. Active cases number 408 with 137 of those confirmed. Recoveries include 626 confirmed and 414 probable.

By city ZIP code, the case numbers show Mineola with369 cases and 20 deaths, Winnsboro 224 cases and 13 deaths, Quitman 266 cases and 10 deaths, Alba 123 cases and five deaths, Hawkins 117 cases and one death, Yantis 90 cases and one death, Holly Lake Ranch 24 cases and one death, Golden eight cases, two each in Emory and Big Sandy (Wood County addresses) and one each in Scroggins and Como.

Mineola ISD has reported 13 staff cases and 36 student cases and Quitman ISD eight staff and 25 student cases.

Yantis ISD shut down last Thursday through the Thanksgiving break, to reopen Nov. 30.