Jacksonville area leaders and health experts address spike in COVID cases at town hall

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – In hopes of raising awareness of a spike in hospitalizations in northeast Florida due to COVID-19, Jacksonville area leaders and infectious disease experts met Thursday night for a town hall in order to respond to the recent increase in cases.

The main concern at the meeting was what is known as the delta variant – a highly contagious strain of the virus.

“Jacksonville, our house is on fire,” said Dr. Nancy Staats, anesthesiologist. “And we need everyone to help put it out.”

The wrath of the Delta variant is hitting close to home for people from all walks of life, including Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown.

“The fact that we almost lost our son last year, and recently we have had COVID positive and very sick people in our family,” Brown said. “It’s so contagious and I think that’s the point that doesn’t get to people.”

Health experts say the delta variant is 200% more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus. They say about 90% of hospitalized COVID patients are not vaccinated.

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“These COVID patients occupy 20%, and sometimes more, of hospital capacity,” said Dr. Scott Silvers of the Mayo Clinic. “And that makes it difficult to take care of all the other patients. “

News4Jax asked Silvers how effectively vaccines protect against the delta variant.

“Previously, with older versions of the virus, these vaccines were 95% effective in preventing disease. So now we are seeing vaccine failure with this delta variant. People who have been vaccinated are getting sick. Fortunately, it is very rare that a person (who is) vaccinated becomes so seriously ill that they need to be hospitalized, ”said Silvers.

Pastor John Newman hosted the event. He said he was disappointed to hear about the low number of vaccinations in Florida’s black community.

“A lot of times in the black community things drag out in the community and often last, but in this particular case we really have to be on the front line because there are so many people who can infect so many more people just because they are. not vaccinated, ”Newman said in an interview with News4Jax.

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Staats said deciding to vaccinate is a personal choice that prioritizes personal and public health. Newman preaches by following a golden rule.

“If you love yourself, protect yourself. If you feel like it, well, I’m fine. I think I’m fine, but let’s say you have a loved one that worries you, you love them, and then get the vaccine because you love them, ”Newman said. “And any parent would see a car speeding down the street and their endangered child would immediately run away to save that child and risk their own life to do so. Well, that’s what we’re talking about. Do what’s necessary to save not only your life, but the lives of those you love. “

Demand for COVID testing increased amid the peak. Doctors say the PCR test is 90-95% accurate. The rapid test is more in the 65% range. They say you can’t trust a negative rapid test and encourage retesting if you have symptoms.

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Children and the delta variant

Children under 12 still cannot get the vaccine.

Adrianna Cantville, a pediatrician who attended city hall, said she had seen an influx of children being treated for the virus. She said the best way to protect them is to wear masks and those who are eligible should get vaccinated.

Younger, sicker, faster is the mantra of many doctors when it comes to explaining the delta variant. Cantville said he recently treated a 3-week-old COVID patient.

“We are seeing more children being treated and hospitalized and suffering from long-term complications,” Cantville said. “The most important thing we can do is create a safe haven. Everyone in their life needs to be vaccinated so that we can protect them. We always have to wear masks. “

Cantville believes the numbers are on the rise and students should continue to wear masks in schools.

RELATED: Group of pediatricians recommends everyone wear masks in schools

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“It’s the best way to protect them, and that’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended,” Cantville said. “Not just the students, but everyone in the school. Teachers, staff, whether teachers and staff have been vaccinated or not, this is the recommendation.