Author: Ken Smith

Mobile Test Collection Site in Brazos County on May 7

As part of the ongoing efforts across the state of Texas to provide COVID-19 testing, the Texas Military Department, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, and the Texas Department of State Health Services are partnering to provide a mobile COVID-19 test site in Brazos County.

On Thursday, May 7, 2020, FREE COVID-19 testing will be available by appointment only at the Brazos County Expo Center (5827 Leonard Road, Bryan, TX) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

What you need to know to get tested:

  • Priority testing will be given to those in the following groups: People with symptoms (screening will take place), healthcare workers, first responders, those over the age of 65, and contacts to a positive case.
  • Testing is by appointment only.  To make an appointment, visit txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.  Registration for the Brazos County site will not be available until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
  • You do not have to be a Brazos County resident to get tested.
  • Testing is limited to 120 total. Appointments are first come, first serve.

For more information about COVID-19 testing sites in Texas, visit www.texas.gov/covid19

Clinical Volunteer Portal

Many communities around the country have called on volunteer health care professionals to assist in the care of individuals in hospitals and other health facilities due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To date, preventive measures have protected our local health care infrastructure, and these measures are expected to continue. However, it is important to prepare in the event that additional health care providers are needed in the COVID-19 response effort.

Active or retired health care professionals as well as medical or nursing students who are willing to provide volunteer services within the Brazos Valley are encouraged to register through the clinical provider registration portal. Upon submission, a health care organization will follow up with you to identify where your talents can best serve our patients and communities.

The clinical provider registration portal, along with a list of frequently asked questions, can be found at the link below.

https://health.tamu.edu/covid-help/

For more information, please contact Sara Mendez with the Brazos County Health District at 979-361-5730.

Flood Warning for Navasota River near Normangee

flood warning

A flood warning has been issued for the Navasota River near Normangee from this afternoon to Friday afternoon (or until the warning is canceled).

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, the river stage was a 14.3 feet. At 15 feet, minor lowland flooding begins as water escapes the main channel and inundates the flood plain.

Minor flooding is forecast by late this afternoon and continue to rise to near 15.5 feet after midnight on Thursday. The river should fall below flood stage by early Friday morning, April 17.

Handmade mask donations accepted

facemask iconThe Brazos Valley Regional Advisory Council (BVRAC) will be collecting up to 3,000 donated homemade non-medical masks as a contingency plan for medical personnel and first responders, should approved medical masks become unavailable. These non-medical masks may also be used as an additional protective covering to extend the service life of medical masks for first responders and medical personnel as needed.

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Donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical personnel and first responders being accepted

As officials in the Brazos Valley continue to respond to COVID-19, it is clear that our medical personnel and first responders need access to more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  This is crucial to keep them safe, allowing them to continue serving the community.

People in this region are known for coming together to help in times of need.  This is no different.  If anyone has PPE they can donate, there is now a way to do so.

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Community Emergency Operations Center activated

In light of continuing developments with the COVID-19 virus in Brazos County, the Brazos County Community Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) has been activated as of March 30, 2020 at 8 a.m.  This allows all local government entities a single point of information and resource gathering.

The CEOC has also activated a Joint Information Center (JIC), allowing public information staff from each local government agency to work together, virtually in this case, to coordinate and disseminate information to the public and local media partners.

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