public safety

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

Jennifer Johnson
Thursday, August 18, 2022
“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.
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'

Scott McLendon
Thursday, March 17, 2022
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

Scott McLendon
Thursday, January 27, 2022
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.
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

News Staff
Thursday, January 20, 2022
“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...
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.

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

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

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.
Beaumont COVID cases count for December 2021

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.
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