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TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY – The last week of COVID-19 testing has resulted in a total of 31 new positive cases, with the Tompkins County Department of Health now reporting there are 27 active cases locally. This is the largest number of simultaneous active cases since the beginning of June.
The increase in cases is not unique to Tompkins County, as it appears the famous Delta variant is leading to a wave of new positive cases despite the rollout of vaccination across the United States. The county said cases appear in both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations – the vaccine does not necessarily completely prevent one from contracting COVID-19, but has been shown to be effective in mitigating the worst impacts of the virus in the vast majority of cases.
Despite the rise in cases, there is active hospitalization for coronavirus.
“This increase in local cases follows trends across the state and country and is mainly attributed to clusters related to domestic travel and large gatherings,” according to an announcement from the health department. No specific gathering has been named.
The health department does not yet know how many cases are the Delta variant, as this is determined by a sequencing process that takes place at Cornell University. Delta has been found in at least two cases in Tompkins County, although this was several weeks ago and updated information has not been released.
“TCHD anticipates sequencing data from Cornell researchers in the coming weeks,” said Dominick Recckio, communications director for Tompkins County. “The local sequencing is done as part of a study and we are grateful for Cornell’s partnership and efforts in this regard. Once we have the data and are able to share it, we will. We anticipate that the delta variant will be a more prevalent strain, as is the state and nationwide. This is one of the many reasons we continue to encourage the community to get immunized and encourage others, including friends and family, to do so as well. Vaccines continue to be safe and effective. “
Additionally, the health department said there were no updated guidelines on masks for fully vaccinated people, despite the CDC’s announcement yesterday – the CDC’s new guidelines failed to emerge. apply only to places where community spread is high due to the prevalence of COVID-19 in those areas, and Tompkins County numbers do not exceed this threshold. Unvaccinated people should always wear masks indoors and at social distance.
The health service always urges everyone in the community to get vaccinated if they can, calling it the best way to stop and prevent symptomatic illnesses. A list of available clinics is here, as the percentage of people vaccinated who are over 18 stands at 76.4 percent in the county – a decent number, but that declines once people under 18 are over. taken into account. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one that is available for people between 15-18.
“What we’re seeing locally is part of the larger trend across the state and the country. Although this is an increase in cases, the protection offered by all of our vaccines is excellent and those vaccinated are highly protected against symptomatic illnesses and hospitalization, including against variants, ”said the director. County Medical Officer, Dr. William Klepack. “Although our community has achieved high levels of immunization, this is not true for the areas around us and for other parts of the country. For those who have not yet received the vaccine, please consider the role you can play in reducing the spread of disease and keeping our community healthy by getting vaccinated. “
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