NEWS

UMC announces updated visitation guidelines as Lubbock area COVID-19 cases climb

Adam D. Young
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

The Lubbock area's COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb at an elevated rate while vaccination rates remain stagnate, according to data released by the city and state officials on Monday.

Lubbock County confirmed 68 new COVID-19 cases on Monday and 109 over the weekend, with 768 total active cases. The county also reported two more COVID-linked deaths. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows Lubbock County reported 2,980 more COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the most recent week - holding roughly steady with the weekly average since late May. 

The percentage of Lubbock-area hospital beds dedicated to COVID-19 patients was 6.8 percent on Monday - up from 3.8 percent a week ago, according to state data. There were 102 COVID-19 patients in Lubbock area hospitals Monday, with 20 intensive care unit beds available and 305 beds available of 1,492 total staffed beds.

More:Number of COVID-19 cases rising in Lubbock County

More:Student sues TTU system over COVID-19 response

More:Lubbock County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 36% of people fully vaccinated

Free vaccination opportunities are available through the city of Lubbock Health Department. For further questions, please call the City of Lubbock Health Department at 806-775-2933, and to set up an appointment go to the city's website at https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/health-department/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine

With the steady rise in case numbers, University Medical Center on Monday announced updates to its visitation guidelines.

"UMC strives to always ensure the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff, as we assess current visitation and mask protocols," reads a statement from UMC. "As UMC continues to follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, we are updating visitation policies, effective Monday, July 26, 2021."

Visitors to UMC are asked to keep the following in mind:

UMC will continue to require masks for staff, patients, and visitors.

UMC adjusted visitation guidelines to allow additional visitors:

Non-COVID can have visitors of all ages:

· Two visitors per patient per day.

· For end of life – five visitors at a time with no maximum number of visitors.

To continue to keep Lubbock safe and healthy, we are not allowing COVID patients to have visitors, with few exceptions:

Family Birth Center may have one coach or partner per patient

Patients under 18 may have two visitors per patient per day

NICU may have mother + one other visitor 

End of Life may have up to two visitors at a time with prior authorization