Thursday, August 26, 2021

Township issues reminders during COVID surge
During the current nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly the Delta variant, the Township reminds residents to stay safe and well and to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

LATEST NEWS
FDA Grants Full Approval for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine on August 23, 2021. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. Read more.
 
From the CDC: What If I’m Vaccinated and Exposed to COVID-19?
If you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, get tested 3-5 days after the date of your exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result. Read more.
 
VACCINATION AVAILABILITY
In addition to upcoming drive-thru vaccination sites, the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available locally at hospitals, healthcare provider offices, pharmacies and retailers. To find a vaccine near you, please visit www.vaccines.gov/search/. Here you can search based on zip code and vaccine preference (Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson). Texans can also register online at GetTheVaccine.dshs.texas.gov. You will be notified by email or text when and where to get the vaccine.

SCHOOL CASES
Cases in local independent school districts are on the rise. Please visit the ISD dashboards below for the latest information regarding COVID-19 cases in schools.

• Conroe ISD: https://apps.conroeisd.net/covidimpact/
• Tomball ISD: https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/d9e82fda-88fe-4319-b2c6-51ff7332dba0/page/3QqgB
• Magnolia ISD: https://sites.google.com/magnoliaisd.org/nov-magnolia-isd-covid-dashboa/home
  

• Take COVID-19 seriously. Students benefit from in-person learning and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority. CDC has COVID-19 specific guidance for K-12 schools and Colleges and Universities.
• Mental health is important to the learning process. CDC data shows that the pandemic has created significant stress and trauma for children, adolescents, and families. Schools can help promote student well-being with CDC evidence-based strategies like establishing safe and supportive school environments and referring students to appropriate mental and physical health services.
• Routine vaccinations save lives. Getting required vaccines can help protect children and teens as they grow into adulthood. Making sure children get vaccinated is one of the most important things parents can do.
• Washing hands stops germs. Handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of colds, flu, and other diseases to others.
  
  

Read more about ways to have a safer, healthier school year.

Harris County Hospital Bed Usage, August 26, 2021

COUNTY NEWS
The testing positivity rate in Montgomery County is 22% as of Wednesday, August 25, 2021. The Harris County COVID-19 Threat Level remains at Level 1 (Severe Threat).

COVID-19 Regional Infusion Center for Monoclonal Antibodies Open Now in Montgomery County
A Regional Infusion Center for monoclonal antibody treatment has opened in Montgomery County. The goal of the monoclonal antibody infusion treatments is to prevent ER visits and hospitalizations for qualifying patients with COVID-19. Read more.
 
COVID-19 Call Center Now Open in Montgomery County
If you have any COVID-19 related questions, please call the Montgomery County COVID-19 Call Center at 936-523-3916. The call center is available Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more.

The reports of Montgomery County are posted on the Township website under County News Releases/Partner Agency Notifications.  Harris County items are also posted there as received. In addition, social media feeds from both agencies can be viewed by scrolling down at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covid19.
 
COVID TESTING
The Woodlands Township is a host location for COVID-19 testing provided by Curative, Inc. Testing takes place seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Township offers free testing through Curative at three locations. Please note, testing is no longer offered at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

• The Recreation Center at Bear Branch, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381
• Sterling Ridge Park and Ride, 8001 McBeth Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382
  (Through August 2021)
• The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389 (Through August 2021)

Help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
Current advice from the CDC includes wearing a mask indoors in public and crowded spaces in areas of high transmission for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Vaccines remain the most effective way to reduce spread of COVID-19 and prevent serious illness. Read more.
 
Additional Information
Please visit the Township’s COVID-19 information page, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covid19  for resources, information and updates.