The latest state data show COVID-19 patients have taken up more than 15% of hospital capacity in a region that includes Longview and Tyler for 35 straight days; however, the rate has been dropping in recent days.

State health officials announced Saturday that no COVID-19 vaccines are scheduled for delivery this week to Gregg County providers.

Despite having portions of her business shut down for weeks during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, owner Lori Wilcox says when Fountain of Youth Salon and Spa was allowed to reopen its doors, she needed a vacation.

Public health officials on Thursday announced there have been 218 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Gregg County along with three deaths since Tuesday as hospitalizations from the virus in the region remained above 15% for the 31st straight day.

Smith County recorded five COVID-19 related deaths on Thursday, bringing the county's overall death toll to 232. 

The Northeast Texas Public Health District reported 282 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases Wednesday in Smith County, bringing the overall case count to 14,805.

COVID-19 patients have taken up more than 15% of the total number of hospital beds in a region that includes Longview and Tyler for 30 straight days, the latest data showed Wednesday.