Virus creeps up on Orange County

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting 47 new COVID-19 cases in Orange County, a 56 percent jump over last week's reported 30 cases.

The highly contagious omicron variant has led to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Texas.

"It's rocking and rolling with the resurgence we're having right now," Orange County Judge John Gothia said Monday.

"Our call center is receiving four times as many calls as it's been getting. We've seen a huge increase the last seven to eight days of people coming in to be tested.

"This new omicron variant is a lot more contagious, but it seems to be less severe. People who are getting vaccinated and have had their booster are many less times to get it."

The county is operating an immunization clinic near Baptist Hospital Orange, but citizens are asked to preregister by calling 409-550-2536.

Drive-through testing for Covid and Covid antibodies is temporarily being offered at 608 Strickland in the front entrance drive thru in front of Baptist Hospital-Orange from Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A driver's license or identification card is required. The site is being coordinated by Healthtrack RX and Embry Health. It was previously located at Lamar State College Orange but moved out as the school was closed for the holidays.

"I think for the next six to eight weeks, the number of COVID cases will keep going up," Gothia said. "We're seeing the Thanksgiving rush get over, but I think you'll see the same thing after Christmas and New Years.

The Southeast Texas infusion clinic in Beaumont is an option for those testing positive, Gothia added.