As of December 22, 2020, Guadalupe County is reporting 6,429 COVID-19 cases. The total number includes 5,128 recovered and 879 probable recovered, 238 confirmed active cases, and 136 probable active cases.

Numbers of COVID-19 Patients at GRMC: Currently GRMC has 35 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. GRMC’s 7 day moving average of new COVID-19 admissions is 5 per day and the 7 day moving average for COVID-19 hospitalizations is 29 per day. This information represents average numbers from our facility alone.

Christmas Day Visiting Hours: The patient tower lobby will be open from 8:00 am through 6:00 pm on December 25, 2020 to accommodate visitors. GRMC is allowing one visitor to accompany patients who are receiving inpatient or outpatient services. Texas Health and Human Services continues to require that hospitals screen each person entering the facility and restrict visitor access as the hospital determines necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 patients (and suspected COVID-19 patients) will not be allowed visitors.

All persons entering GRMC will be required to wear a mask and be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and contacts. If visitors exhibit symptoms they will be denied entry. Masks must be worn at all times over the nose and mouth within the building and visitors are not permitted to congregate in public areas, such as lobbies or the cafeteria.

Incident Command Center: GRMC’s incident command center continues to assess and respond to COVID-19 issues as they arise.

Vaccine Information: GRMC has no information on COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public. At this time GRMC expects to receive an allocation of 800 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Medical personnel that provide direct patient care are the highest priority for initial distribution.

Mental Health Resources: The COVID-19 pandemic has created stress and anxiety that can feel compounded by the holiday season. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic the Texas Health and Human Services COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line is available toll free at (833) 986-1919.

How can I help prevent the spread of COVID-19? Practicing proper hygiene is vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19 since the illness is predominantly spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Practice social distancing. Wear your face mask. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

How can I safely gather with family for the holidays? Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This holiday season, consider ways your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 cases to keep your friends, family, and community healthy and safe. Per the CDC travel may increase your change of getting and spreading COVID-19 and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.

The following considerations are taken from CDC communications on slowing the spread in small household gatherings:

• Host outdoor activities instead of indoor activities as much as possible.
• If only indoor is possible, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated or fully enclosed indoor spaces and increase ventilation by opening windows and doors to the extent that is safe and feasible based on weather.
• Provide or encourage attendees to bring supplies to help you and others stay healthy. For example, extra masks (do not share or swap with others), hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and tissues.
• Practice social distancing, staying at least 6 feet apart from each other.
• Wear masks as much as possible.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Do not attend if you have been exposed to someone who is positive or presumed positive for COVID-19.