The distribution of vaccines in Granbury and Hood County has begun, but it will take some time to develop the herd immunity that will keep us all safe.
“Herd immunity is a term used to describe when enough people have protection—either from previous infection or vaccination—that it is unlikely a virus or bacteria can spread and cause disease,” said Hood County Public Health Authority, Dr. David Blocker. “It will greatly depend on the public's willingness to get vaccinated as the vaccines become available. These FDA-approved vaccines are safe and important. We must get vaccinated.”
Blocker continued, “our public health objective is to achieve about 70 percent herd immunity mainly through this vaccination program.”
“I am receiving numerous calls every day from (Hood) county residents asking me for vaccination. We need everyone to understand that they must work with their primary care doctor, residential facility or employer to receive the vaccination when available,” Blocker stated.
We ALL need do our part in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), as there has been a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases as a result of holiday gatherings. The number of cases after Thanksgiving went from 1935 to 2557 cases in Hood County, and from 3466 cases just before Christmas to a whopping 3790 cases, as of today.
New Year Celebrations
The safest way to celebrate the New Year Holiday is to do so at home with the people who live with you, or virtually with friends and family. When celebrating New Year’s with people outside your household, make sure to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, like:
- Wear a mask.
- Stay at least six feet (about two arm lengths) apart.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Wash your hands.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Get a flu shot as soon as possible.
Consider other activities to celebrate New Year’s, such as:
- Have virtual celebrations with loved ones.
- Plan a New Year’s party for the people who live with you.
- Plan a neighborhood countdown to midnight.
- Watch a livestreamed firework display, concert, First Night event, or other New Year’s programming from your home.
Please don't forget to continue taking the simple precautions that will keep everyone safe and help local businesses prosper. Disinfect commonly touched surfaces, wash your hands often, avoid touching your nose, avoid large gatherings and wear a mask.
For answers to general questions, visit www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/distribution/index.html. City updates are available at www.granbury.org/covid19
