Two years ago, COVID-19 spread around the globe, causing mass quarantines and restrictions to be put in place. Since then, the virus has developed a variant that is easier to spread around populations. 

This variant, Omicron, is what is causing the rise in numbers across the United States, especially within the state of Texas. In Nueces County, these cases are continually increasing and it is not slowing down any time soon. Over the past week, there have been updates to both national and county administrations on the number of cases that have been reported. 

The number of cases is currently at 109,948, and it continues to climb. As of today, there are 508 new cases that have been reported. According to the City of Corpus Christi’s website, there have been 10,960 people that have been hospitalized as of July 25, 2022.  Right now, individuals who are ages 0-19 years of age are leading in infected cases, with those ages 20-29 following right behind them. 

This may be due to restrictions that have been lifted in local school districts and local colleges, not to mention clubs, restaurants, and other venues where young people are most likely to hang out. When the virus first made headlines, it was said that the elderly were more at risk if they were to be infected; however, this virus now seems to be taking effect against younger people. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, they are urging the public to get vaccinated to protect themselves from the deadly symptoms of the virus. Those who have received the vaccine can still get the virus, but they are less likely to be hospitalized for it.  

The community level of Nueces County is high in infections, based on a graph provided by the CDCs website. 69% of the county’s population have received their first dose, and 59% are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. That’s a little over half of the population of Corpus Christi who have received their vaccines, while the other half are still at danger of the virus’s effects. 

The future is still unknown as COVID-19 still spreads around the nation, but everyone can do their part to stay safe, not only for themselves, but for others around them.