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Medina County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information:

 COVID-19 CASE INFORMATION UPDATE

COVID Forecast

The 7-day forecast is clearer skies with less than 10 cases reported over the last 7 days. 

Texas COVID-19  Data: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/AdditionalData.aspx

DSHS COVID-19 Dashboard: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/cases.aspx

TDCJ prison Count: ** TDCJ Prison Count updates**   

Key Messages: (CDC DATA Tracker, 4/18/2022 prior report date was 4/11/2022)

  •   How many cases are there? Total cases over the last 7-days:  Less than 10 cases
  • Transmission? Positivity rate: 3.5%  
  • How many total deaths are there? 197 no change in the last 4 weeks
  • What can we do about it? Monitor COVID-19 variants for increases in transmission levels and hospitalization data. We remain in the “green”, low community level. You can get COVID-19 vaccines at the Health Unit which are available for ages 5 and up. 
    • COVID information can be found on the Medina County website under “Coronavirus” or “COVID-19 Vaccine”.

Need information on testing or what to do if you are exposed to someone or test positive? Read below

Need a COVID-19 vaccine? Click on this link Vaccines

What can you do to avoid getting sick? This is a tough one right now. Get vaccinated, it may not prevent you from getting COVID right now but it can protect you from severe illness. Wear a mask in crowded areas, CDC now recommends a surgical mask or N95 mask since cloth masks offer little protection against Omicron. Avoid large crowds in general right now, especially if you are at high risk or are part of a vulnerable group. Stay away from others that are sick.

Isolation and Quarantine Guidance  (no updates from last week but as a reminder):

Isolation (for those who are positive with COVID-19) A simple rule is to stay home if you are sick, even with cold symptoms. Get tested if you can. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others. CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation to 5 days followed by 5 days of wearing a mask. This is if you don’t have symptoms, if symptoms have improved and if you don’t have a fever. However, for those whose symptoms have not improved or have a fever, it is recommended to isolate for 10 days after symptoms onset. 

Quarantine (for those exposed to someone who has COVID-19) For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by mask use for an additional 5 days. If a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, they should wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but it is recommended to wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice includes a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not due to COVID-19.

  • July 29, 2021 - Relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster. Governor's Order GA-38

    March 2, 2021- Opening Texas in response to COVID-19 Disaster:  Effective March 10, 2021 in all counties not in an area with high hospitalizations:

    a. There are no COVID-19-related operating limits for any business or other establishment;  and

    b. Individuals are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings over the nose and mouth wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household, but no person may be required by any jurisdiction to wear or to mandate the wearing of a face covering.

    For further information please refer to to Governor's Order GA-34

    February 23, 2021 - Medina County has been notified by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) the the County is no longer included in a Trauma Service Area (TSA) that has high hospitalizations.  Any business establishment that would be operating at 50% occupancy can now operate up to 75% and bars can reopen.  For further Information please refer to Governor's Order GA-32 or DSHS Letter 

    December 29, 2020 - Effective December 27, 2020 Medina County is now in a Trauma Service Area as defined on Page 3, Paragraph 2 per the past Executive Order GA-32 issued by Gov. Abbott on October 7, 2020. As a result TABC is requiring all bars to close and most business establishments be limited to 50% occupancy.  Please refer to Governor's Order GA-32  DSHS GA-32 Letter for further information.  

    December 28, 2020 -  The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) notified TABC that Medina County is included in a Trauma Service Area (TSA) that now has high hospitalizations as defined by the current executive order.  Medina County previously filed a certification form with TABC to indicate that the County opted to open bars and similar establishments in the County.  Because the County is now located within a high hospitalization TSA, bars and similar establishments in the County may remain open only if the County has separately filed and are in compliance with the attestation form promulgated by DSHS regarding minimal cases of Covid-19 in the County.  Accordingly, the County has been notified by DSHS that the attestation has been revoked and therefore the County is ineligible to remain open for bars. Opt-In Form 

    Since Medina County is now in a Trauma Service Area that has had seven consecutive days in which COVID hospitalizations as a percentage exceeds 15 percent of the total hospital beds.  Any business establishment that would be operating at 75% occupancy must now operate at up to only 50%.  This does not include the establishments that are exempt pursuant to GA-32 and any GA’s prior to 32.

    October 13, 2020 - The County Judge has signed the Opt-In Form relating to GA-32 for the opening of Bars in Medina County.  Opt-In Form  Check List for Bar Owners Check List for Patrons

    October 8, 2020 - The Governor issues GA-32 relating to relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens.  GA-32

    September 17, 2020 - The Governor issued GA-30 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens. GA-30

    July 6, 2020 - The Governor issued GA-29 relating to the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster.  Order GA-29

    June26, 2020 - The Governor issued GA-28 relating to the targeted response to the COVID-19 disaster as part of the reopening of Texas.  Order GA-28

    June 3, 2020 - The Governor issued GA-26 relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster. Order GA-19

    May 22, 2020 - The Governor issued GA-25 relating to the closing of County and Municipal Jails to in-person visitation in response to COVID-19 disaster.  ORDER GA-25

    April 30, 2020 - The Governor issued Order GA-18 and the Open Texas Guidelines that further explains Order GA-18.  Medina County shall follow the directives in both documents.  Click the following links to view the Order and Guidelines.  ORDER GA-18

    Open Texas Guidelines      Open Texas Checklists

    Judge Schuchart has signed the Attestation for Rural Counties with Five or Fewer Laboratory Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 under Order GA-18. For case counts  Please visit the Department of State Health Services at the following link or the County's Case Chart below: 

    https://txdshs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ed483ecd702b4298ab01e8b9cafc8b83

    Supplemental Order - April 17, 2020

    Declaration of Local Disaster Amendment - April 13, 2020

    Declaration of Local Disaster - April 9, 2020

    This is the latest Order in effect from the Governor.  It allows only for essential services and activities.  Medina County will enact a Local Order consistent with this order.  Please follow this Order.  Chris Schuchart, Medina County Judge    Governor's Oder - March 31, 2020

    Declaration of Local Disaster - March 19, 2020

    Governor's Local Disaster - March 19, 2020

    Declaration of Local Disaster - March 18, 2020      

  • FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths

    In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

    To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

    • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
    • If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual. 
    • An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
    • The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
    • This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.  
    • Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

    In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

    • An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
    • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
    • Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

    More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

    Contact Us

    If you have any questions, please contact Office of External Affairs:

    Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov

    Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov

    Tribal Affairs (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov

    Private Sector Engagement at nbeoc@max.gov

  • Medina County clinics offering COVID testing and Telemedicine.  Please call before going in.  

    • Medical Clinic of Hondo; 830-426-7444
    • Medical Clinic of Devine; 830-665-2876
    • Medical Clinic of Castroville; 830-538-3035
    • Medina Regional Hospital; Hondo 830-426-7444
    • South Texas Rural Health Services; Hondo  830 426-5288
    • South Texas Rural Health Services; Devine  830 663-5450
    • MedCare Associates; Castroville 830-931-3336
    • Bios Family Clinic; Castroville 830-538-2467
    • Little Alsace Urgent Care; Castroville 830-538-3550
    • Medina Valley Family Practice; Castroville 830-538-2254

    People can get tested for COVID 19 at public testing sites and drive-thru locations in certain parts of Texas. Self-test kits are also available and can be performed at home or anywhere else.

    Self-Testing at Home
    A self-test produces fast results and can be taken anywhere. You can use self-tests if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19, or even if you don’t have symptoms. Call your local pharmacy to ask about whether they have self-tests available.

    Learn more about Self-Testing on the CDC website. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests. Some self-tests may have age limitations.

    If you take a self-test and get a positive result, tell the people you might have seen recently and follow CDC’s guidelines for quarantine and isolation. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about symptoms, or if you are at higher risk for developing severe illness. 

    Texas COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
    COVID-19 testing is available at local health centers, clinics, and select pharmacies, often at no cost. Please always call ahead to verify availability, check insurance coverage, or make an appointment as necessary.

    Find a Health Center (U.S. Health and Human Services)
    COVID-19 Testing Near Me (Google Maps)
    CVS Health
    Walgreens
    Local Independent Pharmacies
    Walmart in partnership with Quest Diagnostics
    Curative.com

    Things to consider when looking for a public or drive-thru testing site:
    Do I know the screening criteria for the public/drive-thru testing site?
    Do I know the operating hours for the public/drive-thru testing site?
    Do I know if I need a referral from my doctor before I visit the public/drive-thru testing site?
    Do I know if the public/drive-thru testing site is covered by my insurance provider and/or how the billing process works?
    Do I know what type of test is offered at the public/drive-thru testing site?
    Do I know how to get my testing results?

    Call ahead or visit the testing site website for information, as screening criteria and operating hours may change.

    How to get your COVID-19 test results from LabCorp or Quest:
    Please follow the instructions provided on your testing receipt. If your specimen was sent to LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics to be tested, see the instructions on How to Log in to LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics (PDF, V.1.0, released 3/31/2020) to obtain your COVID-19 test results online.