The Big Bend
Two Big Bend residents have died from COVID-19 complications. The first patient, a a 70-year-old man who had several pre-existing conditions, died on June 28. The second patient, an 87-year-old man, died on July 9. Both individuals were transferred from Big Bend Regional Medical Center in Alpine to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa where they died.
Big Bend National Park officials announced the park would close on Thursday, July 2 as a park resident has tested positive for the coronavirus. It is unclear how long BBNP will be closed. A draft of the park’s reopening plan outlined officials could close the park again if cases in Brewster County or Texas increase.
Coronavirus Testing Dates:
Monday, July 19 & 20 : 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Marfa: Marfa Visitor Center - 302 S Highland Ave
No appointment is required, must have photo identification.
What you need to know:
- July 9 - 2020 - A Second Big Bend Resident Has Died From COVID-19 While Receiving Treatment in The Permian Basin
- July 8 - 2020 - As Hospital Capacity In West Texas Shrinks, More COVID-19 Patients Are Being Treated In The Big Bend
- July 1, 2020 - Amid Growing Coronavirus Cases, Big Bend National Park Closes For The Second Time
- June 28, 2020 - The Big Bend Region Sees First COVID-19 Death
- June 24, 2020 - With Limited Resources, Far West Texas Is ‘Not The Place To Get Sick.’
- June 23, 2020 - Short Notice and Massive Turnout Complicates Coronavirus Testing At Sul Ross State University
The Permian Basin
Beginning on June 30th, the City of Odessa is sending a mobile coronavirus testing unit to parks around the community. No appointment is needed for the June 30th testing date, other requirements TBA for future testing. The first 200 people to arrive at each location will get a test. Photo ID and facial covering are required.
Coronavirus Testing Dates:
- Tuesday, July 14th, Salinas Park 9 am – 11 am
- Thursday, July 16th, UTPB park 9 am – 11 am
- Tuesday, July 21st, Lawndale Park 9 am – 11 am
- Thursday, July 23rd, Floyd Gwinn Park 11 am – 1 pm
- Tuesday, July 28th, Slaton Park 9 am – 11 am
- Thursday, July 30th, Central Park 9 am – 11 am
What you need to know:
- July 9, 2020 - Midland Memorial Hospital Sets Up New Drive-Through Testing Site, Delivering Rapid Results
- July 2, 2020 - Permian Basin Hospitals Concerned Over Limited Staffing As Coronavirus Case Counts Rise
- June 24, 2020 - Odessa Announces Free COVID-19 Testing For The Month Of July
- June 18, 2020 - In the Permian Basin, Coronavirus Response Varies In Seriousness As Case Counts Rise
- May 14, 2020 - Questions About Midland Medical Lodge’s Practices Keep Emerging as Coronavirus Continues to Spread in the Facility
- May 4, 2020 - Midland Medical Lodge Continues To See COVID-19 Spread As It Transfers Positive Patients To Local Hospital
- April 15, 2020 - Domestic Violence Spikes Are Being Reported Throughout the State, Including The Permian Basin
In Midland County, as of 10:56 am on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, there are 651 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 14 residents have died due to complications with COVID-19. The majority of the deaths related to the coronavirus that have occurred in Midland County were a result of an outbreak at the Midland Medical Lodge, a local nursing home, that began in early April.
Individuals can call 1-855-686-8773, or 68Nurse, to see if they qualify for a COVID-19 test. Midland Memorial Hospital runs the hotline and is operating a drive through the testing site at its West Campus:
Midland Memorial Hospital West Campus
4214 Andrews Hwy,
Midland, TX 79703
In Ector County, as of 10:56 am on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, there are 558 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 7 residents have died due to complications with COVID-19.
The community's two hospitals have been operating testing sites across Odessa for the past few months. Medical Center Hospital is doing the majority of the testing at its urgent care centers. Most patients are being seen at the hospital's Center For Primary Care located at:
MCH Center For Primary Care
1940 E 42nd St.
Odessa, TX 79762
To get screened for the coronavirus and to set up an appointment call MCH's dedicated COVID-19 hotline. That number is 432-640-2747, operators are standing by Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Resources for West Texans
- Big Bend/Permian Basin - Where Can I Get Tested for COVID-19 in West Texas?
- Big Bend - Relief Funds, Meals, and more
- Permian Basin - Relief Funds, Meals, and more
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings.
- A Guide from KUT - How to file for unemployment
Marfa Public Radio is compiling resources for residents of the area. If you are offering services and would like to be included on this list, please email diana@marfapublicradio.org.