State of Texas Reimbursing Lubbock for Millions in COVID-19 Expenses
The state of Texas has reimbursed the City of Lubbock for some expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Lubbock Health Departments expects more vaccination clinics next week.
In a virtual press conference held Wednesday, Jan. 13th, Lubbock City Manager Jarrett Atkinson said the city had spent about $14 million in COVID expenses so far, and the Texas Department of Emergency Management has reimbursed the city about $10 million, with $3.6 million outstanding.
Lubbock has spent about $9.6 million on public safety, $2.8 million in direct assistance to the community in the form of micro grants to small businesses and financial assistance for mortgages, child care and rent. Another $1.7 million was spent on PPE equipment and other public health supplies.
Texas Health and Human Services has also identified Lubbock as one of 28 large vaccine hub providers in the state. In Lubbock, about 15,000 people have received their 1st dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to date, and just 4,300 have received their second dose.
Director of Public Health for Lubbock Katherine Wells said Lubbock could see 8,000 doses of the vaccine next week -- 5,000 initial doses, and 2,000 intended for 2nd doses. Statewide, about 929,000 doses of the vaccine have been distributed and administered.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech University has vaccinated another round of employees against COVID-19. About 100 employees in the Phase 1B category were vaccinated on Wednesday, January 13th, which means they were either 65 or older or had a qualifying chronic health condition.
Previously, Texas Tech had only been vaccinating employees who qualified as frontline healthcare workers. Tech employees who have yet to be vaccinated can request an appointment through this link beginning at 12 p.m. on Friday, January 15th.
Because of their limited supply, Texas Tech is encouraging employees to also schedule appointments through the Lubbock Health Department. The dates and times for more vaccine appointments will likely be announced Monday, January 18th.