[ad_1]
Austin, Texas – The risk level of contracting COVID-19 in Austin-Travis County has increased, especially among unvaccinated people. Confirmed cases have doubled in the past week and new hospital admissions have approached 20 on the 7-day moving average – well above the threshold of 15 to move to stage 3.
COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be extremely effective in protecting those who have completed the required series of vaccines. However, with only 61.5% of local residents fully vaccinated, unvaccinated individuals continue to facilitate the spread of new variants.
Data show that a majority of cases, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred among those who are not fully immunized. APH case investigators are collecting information on four confirmed cases of the Delta variant in Travis County, as of July 14.
“While the Delta variant has probably been circulating in our area for some time, we now have sequencing confirmation that it is here,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “We know the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and continues to be effective against the virus and its variants. Getting the vaccine is now more important than ever – don’t risk your health and the health of your family and community. ”
The recommendations for step 3 are as follows:
-
Fully immunized people can participate in private gatherings indoors and outdoors, and dine and shop without a mask if the company allows it. They can also travel with a mask.
-
Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people, who are at low risk, can participate in private gatherings indoors and outdoors, dine, shop and travel with a mask.
-
Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people, who are at high risk, should avoid non-essential private indoor and outdoor gatherings, meals, shopping and travel.
“It is important to read the play and determine the risk to you and your family, especially if you are not vaccinated,” added Dr. Walkes. “Especially with the school starting in four weeks, we need to keep working to get everyone 12 years of age or older vaccinated to protect our community. ”
The risk-based guidelines that correlate with the milestones for Austin-Travis County are not changes to local rules or regulations for businesses; they are guidelines and recommendations for individual actions and behaviors based on the risk levels of exposure in the community. It is important to note that everyone should continue to follow any additional requirements from local businesses, sites and schools, regardless of vaccination status or stage.
While the APH monitors the 7-day moving average of new COVID-19 hospital admissions as the primary key indicator of the risk-based guidelines, additional key indicators including positivity rate, time doubling of new cases and current ICU and under patients are monitored to determine current staging.
“Worryingly, we are now experiencing an increase in COVID-related hospitalizations that could overwhelm our city’s intensive care units. Almost all of these hospitalizations involve unvaccinated people. It’s a call for people to get vaccinated, so that we don’t put our critical care capacity at risk, ”said Austin City Mayor Steve Adler. “It is extremely important that we do everything we can to lower the level of infection in our community, especially with the start of school in 30 days. Masking remains of crucial importance for unvaccinated people and for vulnerable people even if they have been vaccinated. Thank you to the public health workers and hospital staff who have been on the front lines of this pandemic, and know that we are doing everything we can to no longer endanger you. ”
Despite achieving the initial goal of having 70% of eligible residents vaccinated with at least one dose, further progress needs to be made to achieve herd immunity, including having children 12 years of age and older vaccinated in time to be vaccinated. back to school.
“We are focusing on the laser to remove the barriers that prevent people from getting vaccinated, especially in communities of color that have been most severely affected by the virus,” said APH Acting Director Adrienne Sturrup. “We know vaccines work and are working with our partners and community leaders to get the guns injected. ”
For neighborhoods with a high concentration of people who have not yet received their vaccines, the combination of back to school and the rapid spread of the Delta variant worry public health experts. Now is the time to lessen the spread of the disease and save lives.
“The best thing you can do to fight COVID-19 is to get a full vaccine,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said. “COVID-19 is spread mainly between unvaccinated people, which means people who are not yet vaccinated should do so immediately. Our children and those who cannot yet get vaccinated rely on those of us who are able to do so to keep them safe.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require identification or insurance. Residents can locate providers in their area using Vaccines.gov or they can text their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a clinic nearby.
For more COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19
[ad_2]
Source link