COVID-19 cases are rising across Texas, and Peterson Regional Medical Center sent a message Wednesday that Kerr County is facing its own increase.
The hospital said it was returning to a masking order for its staff while recommending their use when visiting the hospital, effective immediately.
Over the past month, Peterson Regional Medical Center averaged four hospitalizations per day with a high of 5 and a 5% positivity rate, with a high of 7% at one point.
"Both data points seem to be trending up," the hospital said in a news release."
On Wednesday, Texas reported more than 1,100 people hospitalized — the most significant number since March 29. In addition, COVID-19 pediatric hospitalizations continue to hover around 50 patients across Texas.
"Since the COVID pandemic, Peterson Health has been fortunate to be flexible with all of the changes that have risen over the past year," said Cory Edmondson, Peterson's president and CEO. "There have been periods of strict adherence and periods of relaxing protocols, while always ensuring our patients and community's best interest and safety."
Peterson said it requires employees in direct patient care areas or identified healthcare points to wear masks. Staff will continue to screen and test for COVID upon admission and screen patients or visitors at the hospital's front entrance and Ambulatory Care Center. All visitors or guests are encouraged to wear masks in patient rooms or direct patient areas.
