Amarillo region coronavirus status level changes to orange

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Amarillo area coronavirus status level is rising to orange level.

The status level change is effective Thursday, July 22.

“We are seeing a recent increase in the number of positive COVID-19 tests in the Amarillo community,” said Casie Stoughton, director of the Amarillo public health department. “The best way for the community to protect themselves is to get vaccinated – and the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available. We must remember that maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks are also excellent precautions against the spread of this disease. “

Under the orange status level, residents are advised to practice strict social distancing, use face masks in public places, practice improved hygiene and cleaning routines, limit social gatherings to small groups, limit non-essential travel at the community level and limit personal travel outside the community.

“Amarillo was very successful when the COVID-19 vaccine was first made available to the community,” said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. “We must continue this commitment to protect ourselves and others. I received the vaccine and I strongly encourage others to get the vaccine.

At a press conference today, Stoughton said new cases in Potter and Randall counties average around 63 per day, up from around 20 earlier this month. Only two of the new cases yesterday were from people vaccinated.

She said the demographics of these new cases are general, but tend to increase in the under-30 age group.

Hospital capacity is limited, with 62% of intensive care beds being used for patients with COIVD-19.

The vaccination rate in the Amarillo region is still below 40 percent.

According to the latest information on the COVID-19 dashboard, the Amarillo region has 554 active cases of COVID-19. There have been 35,366 total confirmed cases, 34,039 recoveries and 773 deaths.

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