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The Hamilton County Health Department is monitoring the steady rise in COVID-19 infections over the past four weeks. Over the past 14 days, Hamilton County has seen a 218% increase in new cases of COVID-19. More than 50 percent of these new cases have occurred in people under the age of 30. Hospitalization rates are also on the rise, with a 200 percent increase in Hamilton County from the previous 14-day period.
Additionally, there have been confirmed cases of the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant in Hamilton County and many in the state of Tennessee. The Delta variant is the most contagious variant of the coronavirus in the world and spreads much faster than the original version of the virus.
Officials said: “Studies show higher rates of domestic transmission of the Delta variant compared to the previously dominant Alpha variant. This means that when a member of a group or family is infected, the variant Delta is spreading rapidly to other unvaccinated members of the group.The Department of Health has identified this increased transmissibility locally; in particular, an event with two infectious participants resulted in 19 positive cases of COVID-19 and 9 additional family contacts.
“Immunization rates remain low, with only 42% of Hamilton County fully vaccinated. It’s a major factor in the recent surge in COVID-19 infections, and it leaves a high percentage of the population vulnerable. Unvaccinated individuals have no defense against Delta. variant, and those who are partially vaccinated are less vulnerable but not strongly protected. Fully vaccinated people are highly protected against the Delta variant. “
“As we see this increase in COVID-19 cases, we want to stress the importance of getting vaccinated,” said Becky Barnes, administrator of the health department. “With the start of the new school year, we urge all eligible people to get vaccinated so that schools can function as normally as possible. Vaccines prevent serious illness and death, and it’s the best way to protect our community from COVID-19. “
Authorities have asked unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people to continue wearing masks and social distancing and to request testing if you have the following symptoms or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
• Tired
• Muscle or body pain
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
To locate a free testing location in Hamilton County, visit their website or call the COVID-19 hotline at 423-209-8383.
Upcoming Ministry of Health vaccination events:
Free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination events will be offered at several locations this week. No appointment is necessary and anyone aged 12 and over is eligible. Visit vaccine.hamiltontn.gov and click on “Vaccine Events Calendar” to view the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine calendar. To speed up the vaccination process, print and complete the vaccination meeting form available on the site.
The COVID-19 hotline is available to respond to inquiries about the COVID-19 vaccine Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 423-209-8383.
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