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Shipments of the sotrovimab body will return in January. (Pexels)
Austin’s supply of monoclonal antibodies that can fight the omicron COVID variant has dwindled to none as state health officials report infusion centers all over Texas are cleaned out of their supplies.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, infusion centers in Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth and The Woodlands are out of the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab. Sotrovimab is the only antibody proven effective in fighting the omicron variant, which accounts for more than 90% of new COVID-19 cases.
Monoclonal antibody treatments target people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have only just developed symptoms. The treatment is offered via IV in a hospital or clinic setting and takes about an hour to administer. They are meant to help neutralize the virus in patients who have already become ill and have been shown to prevent hospitalizations.
Due to national shortage from the federal government of the monoclonal antibody, sotrovimab, regional infusion centers across Texas have exhausted supply until January.
People who had appointments scheduled this week will be contacted.
Learn more: https://t.co/RJyzo7S8qRpic.twitter.com/f57ZsudtP1
— Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) December 27, 2021
Texas DSHS said the shortage stems from the federal government, which “controls the distribution of monoclonal antibodies,” citing a national shortage. No new shipments are expected until sometime in January.
Infusion centers will not be able to offer sotrovimab treatments but will continue to offer other monoclonal antibody treatments for non-omicron cases. Those with existing appointments for the sotrovimab will be contacted directly.
Though the antibody is unavailable for the time being, the Food and Drug Administration authorized two new oral antiviral drugs that are expected to become available soon, albeit in limited supply to start. Distribution for the new drugs will also be controlled by the federal government.
Austin is on the verge of another surge with a high community transmission rate and 469 new cases of COVID reported Monday. Health authorities are continuing to urge residents to get vaccinated, booster shots and take precautions to avoid contracting the virus.
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Peyton and Eli Manning's nephew Arch Manning has committed to the University of Texas. (Arch Manning/Twitter)
Arch Manning, the latest prospect in the Manning football family and No. 1 recruit in the class of 2023, has committed to the University of Texas.
Manning is the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning and the son of Cooper Manning, a former wide receiver for Ole Miss. The Manning football legacy began with Archie Manning, Arch Manning's grandfather and namesake who played for the New Orleans Saints throughout the 1970s.
Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEmpic.twitter.com/jHYbjBaF5K
— Arch Manning (@ArchManning) June 23, 2022
Manning joins head Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian's program after a disappointing 5-7 first season. Manning, who has been the starting quarterback at New Orlean's Newman High School since he was a freshman, was the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class, according to 247sports.
Manning had plenty of SEC suitors, including Georgia, Alabama and LSU, but committed to Texas after a recent visit to Austin.
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(U.S. Marshals Service)
The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force has found the Jeep belonging to Kaitlin Armstrong, the accused murderer of professional cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson.
Armstrong is suspected to have killed Wilson—who was visiting Austin for a race in Hico, Texas last month—in a crime of passion after Wilson met up with her short-term ex-boyfriend Colin Strickland.
The Task Force said the black Jeep Cherokee was sold to a South Austin CarMax dealership on May 13, one day after being questioned by the Austin Police Department, for $12,200.
Armstrong was spotted at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport the next day, en route to LaGuardia Airport, but officials said they lost her trail after she was dropped off at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 18.
Investigators were unable to find any flight reservations under the name “Kaitlin Armstrong” and believe she may be using her sister’s name, Christine.
The case has been designated as a U.S. Marshals Service major case, which brings in more resources to the investigation; officials consider Armstrong dangerous. According to an anonymous tipster, Armstrong became “furious,” when she found out about Wilson and Strickland’s meeting and wanted to “kill” her.
Authorities believe the longer Armstrong is evading arrest, the more dangerous she may become, so anyone who sees her is encouraged to call 911 instead of approaching her. A $6,000 reward, along with an additional $15,000 from an anonymous donor, has been issued for information leading to her capture.