Here are 9 things to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Saturday
Doctors in Texas and around the country are experimenting with a new treatment based on an old technique — injecting antibody-rich plasma from people who have recovered from the new coronavirus into people who have severe cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that fight specific bacteria and viruses.
In the absence of a novel coronavirus vaccine, doctors Houston News and scientists are looking to so-called convalescent plasma because they consider it low risk and because it has been effective during past epidemics. But they aren’t sure yet if it will be effective on COVID-19.
Two small studies found that COVID-19 patients in China improved after receiving convalescent plasma transfusions. Researchers plan to find out if that success can be replicated with COVID-19 patients in the U.S.
Harris County invests $11 million for emergency healthcare facility at NRG park
Harris County and Houston officials said the region is ready for the potential worst-case scenario if the healthcare system becomes overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic.
So far, officials said the healthcare system has remained within capacity. Officials created the pop-up medical shelter at NRG Park to serve as a back-up if the hospitals’ surge capacity is exceeded.
“Let us hope that we don’t need that,” Harris County Judge Lina Press Release Distribution Services In Houston Hidalgo said at the press conference Saturday afternoon.
Galveston County confirms 14 new coronavirus cases
Galveston County Health District announced 14 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the county’s case total to 355.
The county also reported one new recovery, a female between 51 and 60 years old.
To date, more than 4,000 Galveston County residents have been tested for coronavirus.
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