Montgomery Co. Reaches New High In Active COVID-19 Cases: MCPHD

CONROE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX — Montgomery County reached an all-time high in active COVID-19 cases this week, but county officials say infections are not as severe as past surges and are hopeful the current wave is rounding off.

Active cases increased over 74 percent in county over the last week from 9,547 on Jan. 4 to 16,652 on Tuesday as the omicron variant fuels a nationwide spike, the Montgomery County Public Health District reported in its latest update. MCPHD also added 13 deaths in the update, bringing the county's total to 1,153 since the beginning of the pandemic.

The county's positive rate also is at an all-time high with 36.4 percent of PCR tests are returning positive and 20.4 percent positive on rapid antigen tests, Montgomery County Executive Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Jason Millsaps said at the Commissioner's Court meeting Tuesday.

Omicron cases also are much milder than previous waves, especially compared to the delta variant, Millsaps said. Nearly 300 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county with 249 in general care and 48 in ICU beds, but ICU time has "dramatically decreased" for COVID-19 patients, according to Millsaps.

"I do see the numbers rounding off with the testing numbers statewide, so if that's happening here at the local level, we should be seeing our peak this week and be out of this surge by the end of the month," Millsaps said.

Montgomery County Commissioners approved $50,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds primarily for masks and gloves for the Montgomery County Jail and county custodial services.

The department requested $250,000 on its agenda item, and Millsaps was asked to return to the next meeting with an itemized inventory of COVID-19 supplies currently in storage to better determine what was needed.

Health officials at the county, state and national level continue to say vaccines and booster shots are the best way to protect from the coronavirus and severe infections.

To receive a vaccine or booster in Montgomery County, go to the Montgomery County Public Health District website to find locations for both walk-ins and appointments.

Booster shots also are available at several pharmacies and stores, including:

• CVS
• Walgreens
• H-E-B
• Walmart