public health

Sick and needing a test? Even when you think you have secured testing, that doesn't always pan out. Calls and visits to local outlets reveal depleted supplies, and even those that report having tests on hand are unable to support those assertions.

Drive-thru testing available amid short supply of in-home tests

Scott McLendon

Thursday, January 13, 2022

While Southeast Texas residents seeking a COVID-19 test have several drive-thru options, from family owned pharmacies to national and global chains, purchasing rapid and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests is more problematic. “PCR has a whole lot higher sensitivity than rapid tests.

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

Safety guidance changes as Omicron cases climb

Scott McLendon

Thursday, January 13, 2022

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.

A photo of New Years Eve fireworks

News Shorts: NYE tips from the WHO

News Staff

Thursday, December 30, 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) has compiled a list of tips to help keep revelers safe while celebrating the new year. While the organization’s top tip is still to get vaccinated against COVID-19, it still recommends caution when considering whether to attend large gatherings.

A donor gives blood

News Shorts: National Blood Donor Month

News Staff

Thursday, December 30, 2021

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to celebrate the life-saving impact of blood and platelet donors. It has been celebrated each January for nearly 50 years and coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients. This year is no exception.

Beaumont COVID cases count for December 2021

Cases climb, Omicron confirmed in SETX

Scott McLendon

Thursday, December 30, 2021

With Beaumont continuing to average more than 100 new COVID-19 cases each day as the new year begins and Southeast Texas confirming its first two cases of the more contagious Omicron variant, local doctors and health care officials say the message remains the same: Get vaccinated, and wear a mask.

Jefferson County emergency Management Director Mike White told The Examiner that Southeast Texas' Beaumont-based Regional Infusion Center has been operating at full capacity over the last several days, upping their daily treatments from 15 to 60. To manage the influx of patients, White said the center will be open on Christmas and New Year's weekend, and the county requested more financial support from the state.

Medical personnel prepares for SETX Omicron surge

Scott McLendon

Thursday, December 23, 2021

In a continued urge to Southeast Texas residents to get vaccinated and remain vigilant, local doctors say the Omicron variant is already spreading rapidly throughout Southeast Texas – a region with a 49% vaccination rate among eligible citizens.

Photo saying ever dose matters with graphic information about healthy ways to help keep COVID at bay.

Editorial: So nice, it bears repeating twice

Don J. Dodd

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Sometimes a solid opinion needs to be expressed more than once – for those who neglected to heed good advice the first time. Looking back on this editorial 60 days later, a direct correlation has been noted that as vaccination has risen, hospitalizations have declined. Vaccines work; take the shot.

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