Local Death Toll Reaches 71

Friday the coronavirus claimed its 71st victim in Fayette County since the start of the pandemic as cases continue to climb.

Emil Sodolak, 54, of Round Top, died Friday. His funeral arrangements are under the direction of Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home in La Grange.

“Words cannot express the gratitude that our family feels for all of the support we have received during this devastating time. Emil was loved by all who knew him, and it shows in the outpouring of prayers, messages, visits, gifts etc. Please continue to pray for us,” his wife Mendee wrote.

As of Sunday, the Texas Department of State Health Services estimated there were 184 active cases in Fayette County, one of the highest totals we’ve had locally since the start of the pandemic.

Second Chance Donation to Buy Breathing Machines

Second Chance has approved the funding to purchase three devices called Airvos for St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange.

“They are not ventilators but high flow nasal cannula systems that are especially effective in helping COVID patients breather easier and maintain adequate oxygen levels ... St. Mark’s is most grateful for this timely funding,” said St. Mark’s Chief Clinical Officer Tammy Hartfield.

Vaccine Data

On the vaccine front, 54.16% of the people aged 12- over in Fayette County have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the various COVID vaccines, while 44.77-percent of that population is fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 81.60-percent of the Fayette County population 65-over has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 71.84-percent of those are fully vaccinated.

Statewide, 63.58-percent of folks have received at least their first dose of a COVID vaccine according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.