COVID-19

Just as the nation is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, Graham Regional Medical Center again finds itself fighting off a surge of cases in Young County. After experiencing difficulties in transferring patients to intensive care units at other hospitals, including failed attempts to find beds out of state, the hospital has been forced to create an Intensive Care Unit.

Graham Regional Medical Center posted Monday that eight patients were currently at the hospital with COVID-19, as cases continue to rise in Young County. The county has over 100 active cases, with 106 active as of Monday reported by GRMC.

Graham ISD presented its back-to-school procedures for the 2021-2022 school year during a school board meeting Wednesday. The guidance included isolation and quarantine protocols for those with COVID-19 or those in close contact with a positive COVID-19 individual.

Young County Local Health Authority Dr. Pat Martin spoke with the Graham Chamber of Commerce Friday and gave an update regarding COVID-19 cases in Young County. In the last few months there has been a rise in cases, with 53 positive cases in the county as of Monday, according to Graham Regional Medical Center.

A six-year-old Graham child is recovering from injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Kentucky St. in Graham Wednesday.

Graham Police Department responded to a vehicle versus bicycle wreck Wednesday, March 31, in the 800 block of Kentucky St. Upon arrival and investigation, GPD officers learned a six-year-old male child had ridden into the street on a Hyper 350 electric bike which resembles a small dirt bike. As the child crossed the road from one residence drive to another, he was struck by a vehicle driven by Iris Castro Martinez, 23, of Graham.

The Texas Department of State Health Services tasked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ship more than 818,410 first doses of COVID-19 vaccines to providers during the sixteenth week of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Aside from large vaccine hubs, additional vaccines are still being distributed to smaller providers in other parts of the state including Young County for an eighth week in a row.

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced Tuesday all adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas beginning Monday. DSHS also announced loosened visitation rules for long-term care facilities throughout the state.

The department has directed providers of the vaccine to continue to prioritize people 80 years old or older when taking appointments and also place priority when members of that group also do not have an appointment. All adults will be eligible for the vaccine starting Monday, March 29.

The Graham ISD Board of Trustees made the decision Wednesday to keep the mask policy they have in place following the guidelines set by the Texas Education Agency. The board amended the policy to not require masks during any outdoor school activities and will meet during their April board meeting to reevaluate the mask policy.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Tuesday lifting the mask mandate in the state of Texas as well increasing the max capacity of all businesses and facilities to 100% of their operating capacity. The order will go into effect throughout the state Wednesday, March 10.

Gov. Abbott made the announcement at Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant in Lubbock Tuesday, March 2, regarding the lifting of the mask mandate and discussed the advancements the state has made which led to his executive order.