COVID

A patient at Baptist Hospital lies in a prone position while on a ventilator during the height of COVID-19 in August 2021 – Dr. Arfeen told The Examiner that once a patient’s symptoms become severe enough to necessitate a ventilator, their chances of survival become a coin flip.

A patient at Baptist Hospital lies in a prone position while on a ventilator during the height of COVID-19 in August 2021 – Dr. Arfeen told The Examiner that once a patient’s symptoms become severe enough to necessitate a ventilator, their chances of survival become a coin flip.

No end in sight to COVID, doctors warn

“COVID is here to stay; we know that – and, for sure, we know the pandemic is not over,” says Diagnostic Group pulmonary critical care physician Dr. Qamar Arfeen, who has tackled COVID care in both Beaumont’s major hospitals, as well as Houston-area facilities.
Child receiving a vaccine

Child receiving a vaccine

COVID making a comeback, but not in Beaumont

April 24, the COVID-19 transmission rate for the Greater Houston Area was 1.0, which “indicates the virus continues to spread in our community,” according to the Texas Medical Center.
A CDC graphic detailing what to do if you're at a high risk for severe COVID-19

A CDC graphic detailing what to do if you're at a high risk for severe COVID-19

Infusion center shutters as 'surprising success'

After hosting approximately 8,000 potentially life-saving infusions for Southeast Texans who suffered COVID-19 symptoms, the area’s Regional Infusion Center closed March 11 after “serving its purpose.
Chart of Beaumont-area COVID cases over time.

Chart of Beaumont-area COVID cases over time.

More COVID, less drugs

As hundreds of Southeast Texans test positive daily with the Omicron variant reportedly responsible for more than 99% of new cases, COVID-19 mitigation and treatment options continue to emerge and evolve. Even as 590 Beaumont-area residents tested positive from Jan. 23 to 26, the U.S.
Space heaters will come in handy during the likely cold weather in January 2022

Space heaters will come in handy during the likely cold weather in January 2022

News Shorts: Week of Jan 20, 2022

Cold weather brings house fire advisory Heating equipment is the second leading causes of home fires, according to the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast. Since Jan. 1, Texas Gulf Coast Region workers have responded to more than 70 home fires, assisting more than 285 individuals.
Students work in a classroom with masks on

Students work in a classroom with masks on

'Stay home if sick,' and other common sense ways to keep schools open

“In an effort to reduce school spread and keep our schools open, we are highly encouraging everyone to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by doing the following,” begins communication sent from the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) to parents entering the MLK Day holiday...
In the diagram, the efficacy of surgical vs N95 masks are outlined

In the diagram, the efficacy of surgical vs N95 masks are outlined

Federal officials announce mass mask giveaway

White House officials this week revealed that the federal government plans to ship N95 masks to pharmacies and health centers at the end of the week, with plans to make the masks free and available to the wider public the following week.
Beaumont Baptist Hospital's COVID Unit Lead Intensivist Dr. Qamar Arfeen

Beaumont Baptist Hospital's COVID Unit Lead Intensivist Dr. Qamar Arfeen

Safety guidance changes as Omicron cases climb

With COVID-19 case confirmations on a continued climb in the first two weeks of 2022 thanks to the exceedingly contagious Omicron variant, scores of Southeast Texans have no doubt been exposed in the not-so-distant past.