On Tuesday, July 21, the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department received 10 positive COVID-19 test results, 65 negatives, and 26 recovered. There are currently 115 active cases.
The total positive PCR tests for Brown County is 299. The positive case count is calculated by PCR testing (see below for description). Antigen/antibody positives will be reported as the frequency of more antigen/antibody testing increases (see below for description). However, these numbers are not included in the total positive case count and are tracked separately. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department has received 8 total antigen/antibody positives beginning in July.
The current totals for COVID-19 testing in Brown County as of 4 p.m. Tuesday are:
* 2,947 Tested
* 2,595 Negative
* 299 Positive Cases (PCR Tests)
* 171 Recovered
* 115 Active Cases
* 13 Deaths
Results are updated Monday-Friday at www.brownwoodtexas.gov/health
PCR tests (included in total positive case count)
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are a molecular diagnostic testing technique that detects the genetic material from the virus and can help diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. Testing samples are collected from the nasal cavity using swabs.
Antigen tests (separated and not reflected in total positive case count)
These diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. With this in mind, negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test prior to making treatment decisions or to prevent the possible spread of the virus due to a false negative. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department does not include Antigen testing in the total positive case count but does provide contact tracing and support services.
Antibody tests (separated and not reflected in total positive case count)
Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies, which are proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies are detected in the blood of people who are tested after infection; they show the body’s efforts to fight off a specific infection.
Brown County Health Department has set up two hotline numbers for questions about COVID-19. The numbers are 325.642.2635 or 325.430.5933. Calls are taken from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. A health department employee will answer questions and may perform a health screening over the phone. Should you need higher level of care, they will direct you. The purpose of phone screenings is to reduce the congestion in our medical facilities and allow social distancing. Please be patient if you are not directly connected, we will answer calls in the order they are received. If you are planning on going to a physician, please call before arrival.
The City of Brownwood, Brownwood/Brown County Health Department, Brownwood Regional Medical Center, Texas Department of State and Health Services, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are closely working together to provide the community with the best health practices.
The City of Brownwood has set up www.brownwoodtexas.gov/health as an online portal with up to date information regarding the confirmed COVID-19 cases, and additional preventative measures.
