By Sahar Chmais Based on a preliminary study, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may not be as effective in protecting against the Delta and Lambda variants, according to a study . The study was conducted in a laboratory using blood samples, which may not be what is reflected in the real world. ...

By Sahar Chmais Hays County is seeing an uptick in active COVID-19 cases and an increase in hospitalization due to the virus. Since June 14, active infection rates in Hays County have varied between 120 to 199 active cases, recorded every two days. After the July 10 weekend, that number spiked to 27...

HAYS COUNTY – Lines in the era of COVID-19 have become a less than scarce sighting; but this week Hays County witnessed a spike in their vaccine line up. The vaccine crowd driving into the Hays Performing Arts Center stretches over one-mile and only crowing one road lane. Typically, the Hays County ...

By Sahar Chmais  Since Governor Greg Abbott announced that he will remove the mask mandate, many parents were left worried about how it would affect schools. After one day of the announcement, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) came up with a solution – masks will remain mandatory.  Nothing in the TEA...

by Sahar Chmais and Cyndy Slovak-Barton Alex Villalobos, Hays County top aide to the commissioners court, resigned this week, according to Pct. 4 County Commissioner Walt Smith. No formal announcement was made, but Smith said Villalobos was pursuing other options. Villalobos told the  Hays Free Pres...

By Sahar Chmais HAYS COUNTY – Several representatives for Hays County have noted that while COVID-19 infections seem to be lower this week than weeks prior, that may not be the reality.  Winter storm Uri stopped the number of COVID-19 testing for nearly a week, and after the storm, many are still pr...

By Sahar Chmais From questions on whether taking the COVID-19 vaccine will alter a person’s DNA to new masking suggestions, two moderators with four doctors brought forth some answers. Hays County representatives are making an effort to keep residents connected and updated on COVID-19 information. D...

By Sahar Chmais  UPDATE: U.K variant of COVID-19 was detected at Dahlstrom Middle School. Because the variant is more contagious, the campus will implement 100% virtual instruction for 14 days. HAYS COUNTY – The U.K variant of COVID-19 has been detected in a Hays County resident, according to the De...

By Sahar Chmais  HAYS COUNTY – The third delivery of COVID-19 vaccines has been confirmed for the county. Vaccines are state-issued in allotments of 1,950 doses at a time.  Next week on Monday, Feb. 8 and Tuesday, Feb. 9, vaccines will be given in Wimberley. The following week’s doses will be distri...

By Sahar Chmais There is no doubt that this year’s 87th Legislative Session looks nothing like years prior. Yet, that did not deter Senator Judith Zaffirini, representing Senate District 21, from pre-filing 42 bills centered around medical and educational needs. “This session will be unlike any othe...