Smaller Permian Basin Communities Also Seeing Enormous Spike in COVID-19 Cases

Iraan-Sheffield Independent School District has closed school for 2 weeks because of spike in COVID-19 cases, so smaller communities in the Permian Basin are also seeing spikes in COVID-19.

According to CBS 7, the hospitals in smaller communities are also trying to find beds for their most critical COVID-19 patients.

Since August 1, 2021, Iraan General Hospital has seen over 100 patients come into the hospital for a COVID test, and half of those came back positive.

“We started seeing some patients come into our facility that were needing more care than what they could get at home last week, and we have transferred some patients out to larger facilities. Our biggest issue right now is finding facilities that will take these patients because every facility in the state is full,” said Connie Miles, Chief Nursing Officer for Iraan General Hospital.

This is proving to be a hotspot among the smaller communities surrounding the Midland/Odessa area since they have had to close the entire school district for the next 2 weeks because of the spike in cases.

The Iraan-Sheffield ISD closed schools on Tuesday, August 17 and will reopen Monday, August 30, 2021.

“Please ensure that students are truly taking this opportunity to quarantine. This means that students and staff will quarantine only with immediate family. They should not be out and about in the community or hanging out with friends. The only way that this will work is if everyone does their part,” stated the school district in a press release.

This closure will also affect the school district's athletic programs, so no Friday night Lights for Iraan-Sheffield for a couple of weeks.

Get our free mobile app