Get our free mobile app

You've probably see the number of national and statewide news stories about COVID rising in the last few weeks. The reason for that is because we are seeing a new surge in Texas, including here in Lubbock, but there is reason for optimism.

Lubbock's Director of Public Health, Katherine Wells, tells KFYO News that Lubbock is averaging about 150 cases a day though that number is likely underreported since many people are testing at home and those numbers aren't reported and included in the official count. Wells tells KFYO that the Health Department is keeping a close eye on hospital data and that there are between 30 and 50 patients in the hospitals in Lubbock on any given day which is really good news compared to previous increases in COVID numbers. In previous surges there were over 200 patients in local hospitals. Today's numbers are "manageable" for the local hospitals.

According to a report from KAMC, the BA.5 Omicron subvariant, now makes up the majority of cases in Lubbock. KAMC also reported that the Lubbock Health Department is paying attention to those high risk areas of the community.

“If we see something in congregant living, a nursing home, [or] a day care, [we] follow up with those businesses to make sure they understand that COVID is in there- in that population- and be extra careful,” Wells said.

She added that vaccinated people may shrug off their symptoms, like a head cold, sore throat, and stuffy nose, if they are mild.

“That’s where it’s really been tricky. Those are people that I’ve seen test positive,” Wells explained.

The Lubbock Health Department recommends you stay home for five days if you test positive for COVID. The Health Department also said that close to 200,000 vaccines have been give out.

These 30 Girls Recently Went Missing in Texas

The following Texas girls were reported missing in June 2022. If you've seen them or have any information related to their disappearances, please call 9-1-1 immediately or contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

11 Boys Who Went Missing in Texas in June 2022

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) says these 11 boys from across Texas were reported missing in the month of June. If you've seen any of them or have any information concerning their whereabouts, call 911 or the NCMEC's hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Amazing Before and After Pictures of the Maxey Park Bathrooms in Lubbock

The City of Lubbock is renovating bathrooms in Lubbock parks, and the repairs are badly needed. Just take a look at these before and after pictures of the bathrooms at Maxey Park while renovations continue.

More From 1025 KISS FM