COVID-19 Community Safety Dial updated to include Brownwood

Hendrick Health has updated its daily COVID-19 Community Safety Dial to now include the number of hospitalizations in Brownwood and the number of deaths reported by Brownwood/Brown County Public Health Department. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Taylor and Brown Counties, and are reaching uncontrollable community transmission.

We are currently at Safety Level 5: Critical on the Hendrick COVID-19 Safety Dial. After seven consecutive days of meeting or exceeding the TSA-D 15% threshold, we will advance to Level 6 which will trigger state-mandated community restrictions. Beginning today, our daily Community Safety Dial Updates will include the number of consecutive days we have reached or surpassed the 15% threshold, as reported by the State. As ICU and telemetry bed demands continue to be well above normal capacity, it's likely Level 6: Emergency will occur soon. If that happens, Hendrick Health will begin postponing more elective surgeries, as well as evaluate the possibility of temporarily discontinuing some services.

It's crucial to protect those who are most vulnerable to hospitalization from COVID-19. Those include individuals who are 65 and older, as well as individuals with pre-existing or underlying health conditions, such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and many others outlined by the CDC. Please continue to wear a mask, physically distance 6 feet from others, practice good hand hygiene and avoid large gatherings.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to someone with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 test result, call your medical provider or complete the Hendrick Health online COVID-19 Screening. Text “covidhelp” to 325-216-4824 to begin. Individuals may complete the online screening more than once, especially if symptoms have worsened. Based on your screening results, you will be given patient education or you will be contacted with further instructions.