On July 20, 2020, the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department received 16 positive COVID-19 test results, 11 negatives, and 1 recovery. There are currently 131 active cases.
The total positive PCR tests for Brown County is 289. The positive case count is calculated by PCR testing (see below for description). Antigen/antibody positives will be reported as the frequency of more antigen/antibody testing increases (see below for description). However, these numbers are not included in the total positive case count and are tracked separately. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department has received 8 total antigen/antibody positives beginning in July.
The current totals for COVID-19 testing in Brown County are below:
2913 Tested
2530 Negative
289 Positive Cases (PCR Tests)
145 Recovered
131 Active Cases
13 Deaths
PCR tests (included in total positive case count)
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are a molecular diagnostic testing technique that detects the genetic material from the virus and can help diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. Testing samples are collected from the nasal cavity using swabs.
Antigen tests (separated and not reflected in total positive case count)
These diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. With this in mind, negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test prior to making treatment decisions or to prevent the possible spread of the virus due to a false negative. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department does not include Antigen testing in the total positive case count but does provide contact tracing and support services.
Antibody tests (separated and not reflected in total positive case count)
Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies, which are proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies are detected in the blood of people who are tested after infection; they show the body’s efforts to fight off a specific infection.