On Wednesday, Aug. 5, the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department received 48 positive COVID-19 test results, 2 negatives, and 19 recoveries.
There are currently 129 active cases, of which 5 are hospitalized. The new positives include 23 PCR tests and 25 antigen tests. The total positive PCR tests for Brown County is 380. The total positive antigen/antibody test is now 80.
Please note we will not be reporting pending case counts. With an increase in the use of rapid tests (antigen) results are almost immediate which does not require a “pending” category. When results are near-instant, cases received are often more than the previous pending count, often causing confusion from readers. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department is also not notified of all testing being done, which does not allow an accurate count of the true pending cases.
The current totals for COVID-19 testing in Brown County as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday are:
* 3,377Tested
* 2,904 Negative
* 380 Positive Cases (PCR Tests)
* 80 Positive Antigen/Antibody
* 289 Recovered
* 129 Active Cases
* 23 Deaths
Results are updated Monday-Friday at www.brownwoodtexas.gov/health
PCR tests
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are a molecular diagnostic testing technique that detects the genetic material from the virus and can help diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. Testing samples are collected from the nasal cavity using swabs.
Antigen tests
These diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. With this in mind, negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test prior to making treatment decisions or to prevent the possible spread of the virus due to a false negative. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department does not include Antigen testing in the total positive case count but does provide contact tracing and support services.
Antibody tests
Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies, which are proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies are detected in the blood of people who are tested after infection; they show the body’s efforts to fight off a specific infection.
Brown County Health Department has set up two hotline numbers for questions about COVID-19. The numbers are 325.642.2635 or 325.430.5933. Calls are taken from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. A health department employee will answer questions and may perform a health screening over the phone. Should you need higher level of care, they will direct you. The purpose of phone screenings is to reduce the congestion in our medical facilities and allow social distancing. Please be patient if you are not directly connected, we will answer calls in the order they are received. If you are planning on going to a physician, please call before arrival.
The City of Brownwood, Brownwood/Brown County Health Department, Brownwood Regional Medical Center, Texas Department of State and Health Services, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are closely working together to provide the community with the best health practices.
The City of Brownwood has set up www.brownwoodtexas.gov/health as an online portal with up to date information regarding the confirmed COVID-19 cases, and additional preventative measures.
