The outbreak in Texas

This week’s COVID-19 digest

Between freezing temperatures and the state’s power grid failing, COVID-19 has been one of the last things Texans have been worried about. And with widespread power outages and several areas under water boil notices, there have not been many updates on the virus’ spread.

The Department of State Health Services announced that newly reported coronavirus cases and deaths will be “artificially low” until reporting resumes. Several counties have not reported any new numbers since the start of the week.

With that in mind, Texas has reported 35,885 new cases since last week and 890 new deaths, both much lower than normal.

Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine also has been disrupted, with several counties closing locations where people could get vaccinated and postponing appointments.

The Department of State Health Services said the federal government shipped out around 35,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. However, no Moderna doses have been shipped out due to the weather.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Texas now ranks last in the country in terms of doses received from the federal government on a per capita basis.

As far as the positive test rate, the state did not report an update from Sunday until Friday, but the rate currently is hovering at 11 percent.

Hospitalizations continue to decline, reaching their lowest point since mid-November. Fewer than 7,800 patients are now hospitalized for COVID-19, according to DSHS data.

In Harris County, there were 7,280 newly reported cases and 88 newly reported deaths, both much lower than normal.