GRMC is currently caring for 26 COVID patients in addition to our non-COVID census.

GRMC Statistics: The 7-day moving average for COVID hospitalizations is 24 per day and the 7- day moving average for new COVID admissions is 6 per day. The positivity rate of COVID-19 tests run through GRMC’s laboratory remains high indicating presumed continued community spread of the Omicron variant.

COVID-19 Testing Options: The GRMC Emergency Department continues to see a significant number of asymptomatic persons presenting for COVID-19 testing. If you have no symptoms requiring emergency care, GRMC encourages you to find and visit testing sites near you by visiting https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/testing.aspx and click on “Covid-19 testing near me”. To receive up to 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests visit https://www.covidtests.gov/.

GRMC Resources: GRMC has received 8 STRAC personnel to assist with the current inpatient increase. GRMC has just received another shipment of Sotrovimab, a new monoclonal therapy thought to work best on patients with illness from the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Medication shortages continue to impact healthcare delivery nationwide and GRMC is not immune to these issues.

GRMC’s Regional Infusion Center: Guadalupe Regional Medical Center continues to host a State operated regional infusion center for delivery of monoclonal antibody infusion to persons with active COVID-19 disease. Over the last week, the center has averaged 25 infusions per day. The COVID-19 Omicron variant antibody treatment supply is severely limited in the U.S. and locally which requires that those at highest risk for hospitalization and/or progression to severe disease from COVID-19 be prioritized for infusion. Infusions are for treatment of active COVID-19 disease and should not be confused with the protective effect of vaccination.

On December 22, the FDA authorized the emergency use of the first oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19, Paxlovid. Paxlovid, as well as some other antivirals are available for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. These medications require an order from a licensed care provider and can be purchased at local retail pharmacies where available.

Stay Informed: Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is committed to providing our community with updated information as warranted during this challenging time.

For further information, please visit our website at www.grmedcenter.com