Multiple outbreaks in Falls County doubles cases

Falls County had a steep incline in coronavirus cases this week namely due to an outbreak within the William P. Hobby Women’s prison. 

As of Oct. 12, there were a total of 592 cases, with 334 currently active. That’s nearly double what there was on Oct. 4.

“Technically we’re at 500-something because of the prison,” said Falls County Judge Jay Elliott during Monday’s commissioners’ court meeting. “But in reality, there’s more than 300 active in the prison now.”

Because the unit is now on lockdown, those within the county have a small chance of being affected by this outbreak. 

There have been 252 recoveries and five fatalities in Falls County. 

Chilton ISD was forced to close this week due to their own outbreak, with at least nine positive cases reported so far. The district is operating by virtual learning until Oct. 19.

The Texas Education agency reported 7,620 positive student cases within the State of Texas for the week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 2. This is a rise of about 50 from the week prior. There were 5,227 staff members reported as having contracted the virus, an increase of about 70. 

Somewhat concerning, the numbers continue to climb throughout the state, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced last week that bars in trauma service areas with low hospitalization rates will be allowed to reopen on Oct. 14 with permission from local governments.

“Areas with high hospitalizations” means any Trauma Service Area that has had seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity exceeds 15 percent, until such time as the Trauma Service Area has seven consecutive days in which the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage of total hospital capacity is 15 percent or less.

Falls County is no longer on this list, meaning the TSA-15 has not had that problem in recent weeks. 

Citizens are encouraged to continue following social distancing orders and mask policies in place. For more information on coronavirus, head to coronavirus.gov.