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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 17:58 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Local 12 COVID‑19 Update: Texas Case Numbers Rise, Vaccinations Drive a New Wave of Hope

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Published: September 4, 2025 – Local12.com

In a recent roundup of coronavirus activity across the Texas Panhandle and surrounding counties, Local 12’s COVID‑19 team has posted the latest statistics, policy changes, and community responses on its dedicated “Coronavirus” portal. The article, which pulls data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a timely reminder that the virus is still very much a part of daily life—and that our collective response is evolving every day.

1. The Numbers that Matter

Case Counts and Trends

The Local 12 report begins with a stark, up‑to‑date dashboard that shows a 7‑day average of 8,340 confirmed COVID‑19 cases in Texas, a modest increase from the 7‑day average of 7,900 recorded a week ago. In the Panhandle, the figures are tighter: 145 daily cases in Lubbock, 73 in Amarillo, and 28 in Abilene, with a cumulative state‑wide total that now exceeds 2.3 million confirmed cases.

“Cases are trending up, especially among the under‑vaccinated populations,” says Dr. Maria Ruiz, a spokesperson for the Texas DSHS. “But the increase is still moderate and far below the peaks of 2020 and 2021.” The article notes that hospitalizations have remained relatively low, with 2,120 new admissions over the past week, compared to a peak of 6,350 admissions in February 2021.

Vaccination Progress

Vaccination rates are a centerpiece of the article’s analysis. Texas has seen a 63 % full‑vaccination rate among adults, with 56 % of the population having received a booster dose as of August 28, 2025. The article links to the CDC’s “COVID‑19 Vaccine Booster Shots” page for a deeper dive into the data, explaining that boosters have been a key factor in mitigating severe illness and hospitalizations.

In the local context, Lubbock’s booster clinic has been bustling. “We’re seeing a 15 % uptick in booster uptake in the past month,” notes Lubbock County health director, Carla Hernandez. The article includes a short interview with Dr. Hernandez, who cites a new “booster‑only” incentive program that offers a small discount on local grocery store coupons for vaccinated residents.

2. Policy Updates

Mask Mandates and Public Spaces

The Local 12 piece also covers recent changes to mask guidelines. According to the CDC link included in the article, Texas no longer requires masks in most indoor settings. However, the DSHS has renewed a mandate for masks in “high‑risk indoor environments” such as nursing homes and hospitals. The article reports that the state has also updated guidance for outdoor gatherings, encouraging masks when the number of participants exceeds 50 people.

School Policies

In a separate section, Local 12 summarizes the Texas Education Agency’s COVID‑19 policies for K‑12 schools. The agency now allows schools to operate fully in-person if at least 70 % of the student body is fully vaccinated, and mandates that all students and staff wear masks in classrooms until a full‑vaccination rate of 80 % is achieved. The article highlights the new “School Safety Score” that tracks compliance, offering an interactive link for parents to check their child’s school status.

Travel and Hospitality

The article provides a rundown of the latest travel guidelines. The CDC’s “International Travel Guidance” link is cited, explaining that travelers to and from Mexico are now required to present proof of a booster shot or a negative test. For local travel, the Texas DSHS advises that residents continue to monitor the state’s daily COVID‑19 dashboard for any “red‑flag” alerts.

3. Community Spotlight

Local Heroes and Testimonies

A heart‑warming feature inside the article focuses on a local Lubbock woman, Marjorie Torres, who lost her husband to COVID‑19 complications in 2021. Torres recently received a booster dose and has become an outspoken advocate for vaccination. Her story is paired with photos of her at a local “Community Vaccination Day” event, which drew more than 500 attendees.

Business Initiatives

The article also spotlights local businesses that have adapted to the pandemic. A Lubbock bakery, “Crisp & Sweet,” opened a drive‑through “COVID‑Safe” window, while an Amarillo gym rolled out “Air‑Filter Upgrades” to meet CDC standards. Each business profile includes a link to their own website for readers to check out their current offerings and health protocols.

4. Resources and Further Reading

The piece ends with a comprehensive list of links:

• Texas DSHS COVID‑19 Dashboard – live case, hospitalization, and vaccination data.
• CDC Vaccine Booster Page – detailed guidance on eligibility and side‑effects.
• CDC International Travel Guidance – updated requirements for travelers.
• Texas Education Agency COVID‑19 Policies – school‑specific protocols.

Readers are encouraged to consult these sources for the most accurate and up‑to‑date information. The article also suggests subscribing to Local 12’s email alerts for daily updates on COVID‑19.

5. Key Takeaways

1. Case numbers are increasing modestly, but hospitalizations remain low—a sign that vaccines and boosters are doing their job.
2. Texas has relaxed mask mandates in most settings but continues to require them in high‑risk environments.
3. Vaccination coverage is improving; 63 % of adults are fully vaccinated, and 56 % have received a booster.
4. Community initiatives—from local businesses to public health clinics—are playing a critical role in keeping the population safe.
5. Staying informed through official dashboards and health agencies is essential for making safe decisions in the community.

In a world still adjusting to a new normal, Local 12’s COVID‑19 page serves as a crucial resource for Texans who want to stay informed, protect themselves and others, and stay connected to the pulse of their local communities.