New cases of COVID-19 back on the rise in Erath County; vaccine boosters now available locally.

Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and stay home if you are sick.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

It’s the news that no one wants to hear; COVID-19 is on the upswing in Erath County and local officials are once again reminding the public to take precautions.

“The average daily new cases are 2.28 over the 7-day reporting (period),” Erath County emergency management coordinator Cyndi Smith wrote in an email on Tuesday. “Active cases are continuing to go back up.

"With the upcoming holiday gatherings, please remember the basics.”

There are currently five local hospitalizations.

Vaccinations and boosters are free and available at most local pharmacies.

Here’s the latest:

Tanglewood Pharmacy – 254-968-7657

Vaccines available – Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Booster for Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen are available. No appointment needed, however please call in advance if possible.

HEB Pharmacy – 254-965-2267

Vaccines available – Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Booster for Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen are available Appointment mandatory online at H-E-B | COVID-19 vaccine (heb.com) or call 800-811-8620.

Shots are given by appointment only Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday.

Walmart – 254-968-0660

Vaccines available – Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Booster for Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen are available Appointment preferred online - Book COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment | Flu Shots & Immunizations - Walmart.com also available by walk-in.

Walgreens – 254-965-2587

Vaccines available – Moderna Booster for Moderna is available No appointment needed. Closed from 1-2 p.m. for lunch and no vaccine given 30 minutes before closing.

CVS Pharmacy – 254-965-5085

Vaccines available – Pfizer Booster for Pfizer is available Appointment needed online - COVID Vaccine - Walk In COVID 19 Vaccine & Vaccine Schedule | CVS Pharmacy or go in store and you can schedule an appointment. Walk-in appointments are usually 1 to 2 hour wait times. Advised to schedule online.

Tanglewood/Best Value Dublin – 254-445-3679

Vaccines available – Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Booster for Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen are available No appointment needed. If you want the Moderna or Pfizer please call at least 1 hour in advance to allow for thawing of the vaccine.