Deep East Texas region ranked third highest statewide for COVID hospitalization rate Area H (Source: KTRE) By Donna McCollum | January 5, 2021 at 3:36 PM CST - Updated January 5 at 8:07 PM LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations for Trauma Service Region H, the area that covers Deep East Texas, reflect a spike following major holidays. According to Texas State Health and Human Services the region has the third highest rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state behind Laredo and Waco. Deep East Texas region ranked third highest statewide for COVID hospitalization rate Area H includes Nacogdoches, Polk and San Augustine counties. As of the publication of this story on Tuesday, the hospitalization rate Area H was 26.70 percent, marking the 15th day in a row that the rate was shown above 15 percent.