Laredo decimates former COVID-19 record, over 2K cases reported
Jan. 13, 2021
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A COVID-19 particle is pictured in this image provided by the CDC. A study published in the Lanced medical journal examined the case of a man who became infected with two different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in less than two months. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)CDC, HO / TNS
For those looking toward turning the page on the coronavirus in the new year, 2021 has instead brought with it a severity never before seen in the Gateway City.
Coming off a single-day record 577 positives on Tuesday, Laredo obliterated that figure and then some Wednesday. Officials from the City of Laredo and Webb County announced a staggering 2,066 new cases of COVID-19 along with three deaths.
Antibody infusion center opening Monday in Laredo
Laredo Morning Times
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Laredo Fire Chief Guillermo Heard stands next to one of the beds at the infusion center for mild COVID-19 cases, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at the Haynes Recreation Center during a media walk-through.Danny Zaragoza, Staff Photographer / Laredo Morning TimesShow MoreShow Less
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Texas Division of Emergency Management s Gerardo Castillo and Dr. Rashid Chotani answer questions for the media, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, during a media walk-through of an infusion center for mild COVID-19 cases at the Haynes Recreation Center.Danny Zaragoza, Staff Photographer / Laredo Morning TimesShow MoreShow Less
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COVID-19 antibody treatment center coming to Laredo Monday
Jan. 6, 2021
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A view of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine as it is prepared for to be administered to healthcare workers, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at TAMIU during the COVID-19 Vaccine Drive Thru for Healthcare Workers.Danny Zaragoza/Laredo Morning TimesShow MoreShow Less
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Debunking 50 COVID-19 myths
In the internet age, misinformation has become increasingly pervasive as undocumented claims easily spread online. Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter have become breeding grounds for conspiracy theories, while chat rooms (like the now-defunct 8chan) offer echo chambers for unsubstantiated claims from Pizzagate to shape-shifters. Myths and unproven theories seem to peak around significant historical events and tragedies, and the novel coronavirus pandemic is no exception. As quickly as one misconception is debunked, another seems to pop up, like a never-ending game of Whack-A-Mole.
City of Laredo discusses loss of medical staff to other communities, COVID-19 funding
Dec. 18, 2020
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Amber Hernandez, right, looks on as Flor Peredo gets her COVID-19 vaccine at Laredo Medical Center, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. Administering the dose is Monika Perez.Cuate Santos /Laredo Morning Times
During the Friday COVID-19 media briefing, city officials brought up several issues that affect the city including the loss of health care staff members and the COVID-19 funding for the city.
According to Mayor Pete Saenz, with the pandemic sweeping the state, Laredo has lost medical staff at local hospitals to other communities across the state.
Under a new public health order signed Monday, Laredo hospitals must transfer some patients when the city’s total hospitalization rate rises to 25% or higher.
The order comes as the Laredo hospital region reported Texas’ highest hospitalization rate, or the percentage of COVID-19 patients using staffed hospital beds, for three days in a row.
On Saturday, officials reported that the hospitalization rate, which reflects hospital capacity from one day prior, rose to 31.6% on Friday. The rate for Saturday peaked at 32.9% and fell back to 31% on Sunday.
On Monday, Laredo Health Authority Victor Trevño said hospitals had little or no capacity in intensive care units and limited space in med-surge units, areas designated for non-ICU patients.