According to the City Public Health Department COVID-19 infections have spiked significantly from 241 confirmed cases in July to 705 confirmed cases in August.
Public Health Director Dr. Richard Chamberlain emphasized the urgency of the situation. “In the face of rising COVID-19 cases, the Health Dept. underscores the importance of collective action. By staying home if sick, reporting cases, seeking medical attention, masking up, getting vaccinated, and practicing good hygiene, we can stem the tide of infection. Your commitment to prevention is the shield that safeguards our community’s health,” he said.
The Laredo Public Health Dept. urges residents to stay home if ill, report positive COVID-19 results to the department, seek medical attention immediately, mask up, get vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza, and practice good hygiene,
Chamberlain said the Health Department is closely monitoring the rise in confirmed cases and working in collaboration with local healthcare providers to ensure care availability for those affected by the virus. Laredo Health reminds the community that surveillance testing is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19, and if someone tests positive for COVID-19, they must stay home for at least five days, isolate from others in their home and seek treatment.
In response to the evolving pandemic situation, the department has allocated 6,000 at-home COVID-19 testing kits, augmenting the total capacity to 16,416 individual tests, aimed at providing accessible testing options for community members. Kits will be readily accessible with Laredo Health’s outreach team or by calling the Epidemiology team at (956) 796-4951. Community members can also find at-home testing kits at different pharmacies around town.
If someone has taken an at-home COVID-19 test and received a positive result, it is recommended to report it immediately to the Epidemiology Department by faxing the results to (956) 795-4953 or by sending an email to Covidreporting@ci.laredo.tx.us. By reporting positive cases promptly, every person plays a vital role in helping monitor and respond to the ongoing situation in our community.
The Health Department remains dedicated to providing COVID-19 treatment (Paxlovid®) to the under- and un-insured populations. While supplies are limited, the department continues to offer vital treatment resources to those in need. The focus remains on ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the care they require, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The public is reminded of the possibility of a “respiratory trifecta” season, in which influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19 may circulate simultaneously, potentially straining the local healthcare system. In response, it is strongly encouraged for the community to choose to be vaccinated with updated COVID-19 vaccines and seasonal flu vaccines in September and a new RSV vaccine in October. Vaccination is essential to reduce illness severity and prevention.
For the latest updates and information, visit www.cityoflaredohealth.com or contact the City of Laredo Health Department at (956) 795-4900.
