[ad_1]
Nevada County, California – With 443 cases last week, Nevada County is experiencing the largest increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since the start of the pandemic. Cases have increased by 1,200% since the week of July 1.
Similar dramatic increases are seen statewide. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently reported that the statewide case rate of California had more than quadrupled from the low in May. The huge increase in infections is already weighing on the health system, with local and regional hospitals being severely affected.
“There has been a substantial increase in the number of COVID-19 patients coming to the hospital, which has resulted in more admissions,” Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital President Dr. Brian Evans said. “Our winter peak was 15 inpatients, and we’ve now seen numbers as high as 29 in the past few days. The number of admissions fluctuates daily, even hourly. The vast majority of admissions for COVID are from unvaccinated people. Nationally, unvaccinated patients account for well over 90 percent of admissions. In Sierra Nevada, we have a similar experience. If you have not received your COVID vaccine, I strongly encourage you to do so. “
According to state COVID-19 hospitalization data, there are currently 25 COVID patients admitted to local hospitals. Evans said more than 90% of people admitted to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital are not vaccinated.
As cases continue to rise statewide, local authorities are urging Nevada County residents to take precautions. “We would be beyond the purple level if we weren’t beyond the blueprint,” said Ryan Gruver, director of health and social services, referring to the blueprint for a safer economy, as the state officials dropped out in mid-June.
“The dismantling of the tier system was consistent with the introduction of the highly contagious Delta variant,” said Jill Blake, Nevada County director of public health. “Unfortunately, this may have given people a false sense of security in terms of the risk of disease transmission.”
Spike in COVID cases linked to Delta variant
According to the Secretary of State for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mark Ghaly, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) is up to 60% more infectious than the Alpha strain, and many times more infectious than the original COVID-19 strain.
Public health officials first confirmed the occurrence in Nevada County of this highly transmissible variant from samples taken in early June. More than 80% of current COVID-19 cases statewide are confirmed to be from the Delta variant.
“This variant is so contagious that people who are fully vaccinated can still contract the virus,” Trochet said. “And those who are not vaccinated are much more at risk. According to the CRPD, rates of COVID-19 cases are 600% higher in unvaccinated people than in those who are vaccinated.
Revolutionary cases in Nevada County
Groundbreaking cases currently account for around 20% of new weekly COVID-19 cases. Public health officials consider any infection in a fully vaccinated person to be a “revolutionary” case.
Groundbreaking cases in fully vaccinated individuals are not uncommon, as vaccines are not 100% effective. Age and underlying health issues may contribute to a weaker protective immune response to the vaccine. With 28% of Nevada County residents over the age of 65, our community is particularly vulnerable to cases of disruption.
While such cases are expected, authorities are concerned about recent evidence that vaccinated people may be able to spread the virus, even if they have no symptoms.
Vaccines remain the best way to prevent serious illness and death
The three available vaccines continue to provide a high level of protection against the Delta variant. In fact, the vast majority of new cases are among the unvaccinated. Out of 100,000 Californians, 33 unvaccinated individuals will contract COVID-19 each day, compared to 7 vaccinated individuals, according to the CDPH.
While vaccines have been effective against the Delta variant, the virus continues to mutate as more and more people become ill. “If we allow people to continue to be infected, we will get a variant that is beyond the effectiveness of vaccines,” said Dr Trochet. “If everyone had received the vaccine when it was first available, we wouldn’t be here now. But it’s not too late to prevent it from getting worse.
As families prepare to send their children back to school in the coming weeks, this is especially important to protect children under 12 who are currently unable to get vaccinated.
To schedule a vaccination, go online at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255.
Tips for staying safe and limiting the spread
With the recent increase in cases, the Nevada County Department of Public Health issued a recommendation on July 29 encouraging those vaccinated to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC and the CDPH both issued similar recommendations the same week.
In California, unvaccinated people are required to wear a mask in indoor public places like stores, restaurants, and theaters. Everyone is required to wear a mask in certain public places, including on public transport and in schools. To learn more about the state of California mask requirements, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/masks-and-ppe.
Local health officials are also encouraging residents to rethink attending large gatherings where people can be unvaccinated and unmasked. “I would think long and hard before going to large gatherings,” said Dr. Glennah Trochet, assistant public health administrator. “There are certain groups that are more at risk, vaccinated or not. It would be better not to go than to be exposed, ”added Trochet.
Those who decide to attend crowded events should wear a mask to protect themselves and others. More Information To schedule a vaccination, go online at www.MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255. For updates and information on COVID-19, visit MyNevadaCounty.com/Coronavirus.
[ad_2]
Source link