The Rio Grande Council of Governments, in partnership with its members governments, is committed to providing residents within our region the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on COVID 19.This homepage will provide you with information on testing and vaccinations within your county.
Important information you need to know for COVID 19 testing & vaccinations
According to the Center for Disease and Control:
Coronavirus Disease 2019:
Emergence
COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is caused by the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new virus in humans causing respiratory illness which can be spread from person-to-person. Early in the outbreak, many patients were reported to have a link to a large seafood and live animal market, however, later cases with no link to the market confirmed person-to-person transmission of the disease. Additionally, travel-related exportation of cases has occurred.
Transmission
COVID-19 is primarily transmitted from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. These droplets are released when someone with COVID-19 sneezes, coughs, or talks. Infectious droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. A physical distance of at least 1 meter (3 ft) between persons is suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) to avoid infection, although some WHO member states have recommended maintaining greater distances whenever possible1. Respiratory droplets can land on hands, objects or surfaces around the person when they cough or talk, and people can then become infected with COVID-19 from touching hands, objects or surfaces with droplets and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Recent data suggest that there can be transmission of COVID-19 through droplets of those with mild symptoms or those who do not feel ill2. Current data do not support long range aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2, such as seen with measles or tuberculosis. Short-range inhalation of aerosols is a possibility for COVID-19, as with many respiratory pathogens. However, this cannot easily be distinguished from “droplet” transmission based on epidemiologic patterns. Short-range transmission is a possibility particularly in crowded medical wards and inadequately ventilated spaces3. Certain procedures in health facilities can generate fine aerosols and should be avoided whenever possible.
Symptoms
A wide range of symptoms for COVID-19 have been reported4. These include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- New loss of smell or taste
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The estimated incubation period is between 2 and 14 days with a median of 5 days. It is important to note that some people become infected and do not develop any symptoms or feel unwell.
Texas COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
Public screening and antibody collection sites are available statewide, in person and at drive thru locations.
Click here to see available testing locations and dates in Brewster County
Please note, you must enter your zip code to find the nearest locations.
COVID-19 Vaccinations (Who is qualified?)
Phase 1, Group A
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is requiring vaccines be given first to first responders and healthcare personnel who are essential to keeping the healthcare system intact.
Phase 1, Group B
DSHS has also identified the next COVID-19 vaccine priority group—people 65 years of age and older and those 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition—will also begin receiving the vaccine, as the initial priority group continues to be addressed.
Texas Phase 1B Vaccine Priorities
- People 65 years of age and older
- People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Vaccine Providers are working on securing doses for your communities. To ensure sufficient doses are being accounted for, we need for everyone who qualifies and wants a vaccination, to let us know. If you are interested in receiving a vaccination and you qualify under Phase 1, Group A or Group B, please pre-register with the links below.
Preventative Health Clinic Services COVID 19 Vaccination Waitlist
Texas Department of Health Services Pre-Registration form
Preinscripcion de vacunacion COVID-19
If you need assistance filling out any of these forms, please call the Rio Grande Council of Governments at (915) 533-0998.
Si necesita ayuda en llenar estas formas, por favor llame al Rio Grande Council of Governments 915-533-0998.
Texas COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
Public screening and antibody collection sites are available statewide, in person and at drive thru locations.
Click here to see available testing locations and dates in Culberson County
Please note, you must enter your zip code to find the nearest locations.
COVID-19 Vaccinations (Who is qualified?)
Phase 1, Group A
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is requiring vaccines be given first to first responders and healthcare personnel who are essential to keeping the healthcare system intact.
Phase 1, Group B
DSHS has also identified the next COVID-19 vaccine priority group—people 65 years of age and older and those 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition—will also begin receiving the vaccine, as the initial priority group continues to be addressed.
Texas Phase 1B Vaccine Priorities
- People 65 years of age and older
- People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Vaccine Providers are working on securing doses for your communities. To ensure sufficient doses are being accounted for, we need for everyone who qualifies and wants a vaccination, to let us know. If you are interested in receiving a vaccination and you qualify under Phase 1, Group A or Group B, please pre-register with the links below.
Texas Department of Health Services Pre-Registration form
Preinscripcion de vacunacion COVID-19
Si necesita ayuda en llenar estas formas, por favor llame al Rio Grande Council of Governments 915-533-0998.
Texas COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
Public screening and antibody collection sites are available statewide, in person and at drive thru locations.
Click here to see available testing locations and dates in Hudspeth County
Please note, you must enter your zip code to find the nearest locations.
COVID-19 Vaccinations (Who is qualified?)
Phase 1, Group A
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is requiring vaccines be given first to first responders and healthcare personnel who are essential to keeping the healthcare system intact.
Phase 1, Group B
DSHS has also identified the next COVID-19 vaccine priority group—people 65 years of age and older and those 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition—will also begin receiving the vaccine, as the initial priority group continues to be addressed.
Texas Phase 1B Vaccine Priorities
- People 65 years of age and older
- People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Vaccine Providers are working on securing doses for your communities. To ensure sufficient doses are being accounted for, we need for everyone who qualifies and wants a vaccination, to let us know. If you are interested in receiving a vaccination and you qualify under Phase 1, Group A or Group B, please pre-register with the links below.
Texas Department of Health Services Pre-Registration form
Preinscripcion de vacunacion COVID-19
If you need assistance filling out any of these forms, please call the Rio Grande Council of Governments at (915) 533-0998.
Si necesita ayuda en llenar estas formas, por favor llame al Rio Grande Council of Governments 915-533-0998.
Texas COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
Public screening and antibody collection sites are available statewide, in person and at drive thru locations.
Click here to see available testing locations and dates in Jeff Davis County
Please note, you must enter your zip code to find the nearest locations.
COVID-19 Vaccinations (Who is qualified?)
Phase 1, Group A
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is requiring vaccines be given first to first responders and healthcare personnel who are essential to keeping the healthcare system intact.
Phase 1, Group B
DSHS has also identified the next COVID-19 vaccine priority group—people 65 years of age and older and those 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition—will also begin receiving the vaccine, as the initial priority group continues to be addressed.
Texas Phase 1B Vaccine Priorities
- People 65 years of age and older
- People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Vaccine Providers are working on securing doses for your communities. To ensure sufficient doses are being accounted for, we need for everyone who qualifies and wants a vaccination, to let us know. If you are interested in receiving a vaccination and you qualify under Phase 1, Group A or Group B, please pre-register with the links below.
Preventative Health Clinic Services COVID 19 Vaccination Waitlist
Texas Department of Health Services Pre-Registration form
Preinscripcion de vacunacion COVID-19
If you need assistance filling out any of these forms, please call the Rio Grande Council of Governments at (915) 533-0998.
Si necesita ayuda en llenar estas formas, por favor llame al Rio Grande Council of Governments 915-533-0998.
Texas COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
Public screening and antibody collection sites are available statewide, in person and at drive thru locations.
Click here to see available testing locations and dates in Presidio County
Please note, you must enter your zip code to find the nearest locations.
COVID-19 Vaccinations (Who is qualified?)
Phase 1, Group A
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is requiring vaccines be given first to first responders and healthcare personnel who are essential to keeping the healthcare system intact.
Phase 1, Group B
DSHS has also identified the next COVID-19 vaccine priority group—people 65 years of age and older and those 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition—will also begin receiving the vaccine, as the initial priority group continues to be addressed.
Texas Phase 1B Vaccine Priorities
- People 65 years of age and older
- People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Solid organ transplantation
- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Vaccine Providers are working on securing doses for your communities. To ensure sufficient doses are being accounted for, we need for everyone who qualifies and wants a vaccination, to let us know. If you are interested in receiving a vaccination and you qualify under Phase 1, Group A or Group B, please pre-register with the links below.
Preventative Health Clinic Services COVID 19 Vaccination Waitlist
Texas Department of Health Services Pre-Registration form
Preinscripcion de vacunacion COVID-19
If you need assistance filling out any of these forms, please call the Rio Grande Council of Governments at (915) 533-0998.
Si necesita ayuda en llenar estas formas, por favor llame al Rio Grande Council of Governments 915-533-0998.