Officials on Friday reported three more coronavirus cases in Fannin County, bringing the total number to 29 cases.
James E. Froelich, D.O., FACOFP County Health Authority said, “In the seven days since last Friday’s report, there have been three new COVID-19 cases reported to the Fannin County Health Authority. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the county to 29 with one fatality.”
According to reports, one new case is in a 47-year-old male who is an inmate at the Fannin County Jail. The man was the cellmate of the 55-year-old prisoner reported to be positive last week. Froelich said according to sources, both are in excellent condition and have been quarantined appropriately. There are no other reported positives in the jail’s population or in the employees.
The second new case reported this week is a 46 year-old female from Ravenna, Texas. Her medical condition is not known. The third case is a male employee at the Buster Cole State Jail unit and is home in isolation. No inmates there have been found to have COVID-19.
“The severely ill 76-year-old Bonham female previously reported is expected to come home this weekend after 35 days in the hospital. She remains on oxygen according to family. Concerning the one Fannin County COVID-19 fatality (reported last week) there has been no new information discovered.”
A second Fannin County drive-through COVID-19 screening was conducted by the Texas State Guard last Saturday, May 9.
Of the 32 specimens collected all were negative. When added to the results of the 27 people participating in the first Fannin County drive-through event, the total State-sponsored COVID-19 testing in Fannin County is 59 people with only a single one positive.
Additionally, the State reported this week that the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, sponsored by Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of Emergency Management, conducted a collection of 164 specimens for SARS-2 virus on staff members at the Clyde Cosper Texas State Veterans Home 5/03/2020 and 5/04/2020. All tests so far have been negative (with one result pending).
“Governor Abbott has announced plans this week to test large numbers of Texans for the SARS-2 virus. He is particularly interested in high-risk populations, especially nursing homes and Texas jails and prisons. The Governor has set an aggressive goal of performing up to 30,000 tests per day in an attempt to improve the quality of data and to get Texas completely opened up again. His steps are measured and deliberate as Texas moves slowly back to normal. The re-opening of Texas and our return to normalcy is dependent upon the effects on public health that the new policies will have. The concern is that there could be a second wave of COVID-19 as we transition,” said Froelich.
He continued, “in the coming weeks with more businesses opening and increased public congregation, it is only smart to maintain as much social distancing as is plausible. As well, please continue to wear masks in crowded or highly populated areas, wash hands and be very cognizant of fever associated with any COVID-19 symptoms. Be smart and do your part.”