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Nurse Jeanie Backus talks about COVID-19 vaccinations at a Veterans Affairs long-term care facility on December 17, 2020 in Vancouver, Washington. (Photo by Nathan Howard / Getty Images)
Whatcom County, located near the Canadian border, is the state’s current COVID-19 hotspot. The county has a higher transmission rate than anywhere else in Washington.
Virologist: distribution of COVID vaccine poses bigger problem than supply
Erica Lautenbach, director of the Whatcom County Health Department, expects this month’s COVID-19 cases to be triple those in December, which had been the county’s worst month. Since December 30, cases have grown rapidly in the county and this week’s seven-day average is twice as high as last week.
“The rates we’re seeing are unlike anything we’ve experienced in the past, and unlike the surge we’ve seen after the Thanksgiving holiday. And unlike anything we see elsewhere in the state, ”Lautenbach said.
Although she told KIRO Radio that there were no known events of super-spread or localization of highly transmissible viruses in the county, she said the majority of cases that could be traced were linked to dangerous socialization.
“For those we know who have a source, 80% of our cases come from social events and household activities,” she says.
Lautenbach says cases are increasing across all age groups and Whatcom County is in “uncharted and dangerous territory.” She asks everyone to cancel all non-essential activities and social plans.
The health department fears the virus could spread even faster with employees returning to their workplaces after the holidays. To limit the spread, the department has asked people to take extra and immediate precautions.
“The steps we need to take are familiar now, and if we all act immediately, we can stop this viral outbreak in its tracks,” Lautenbach said in a statement.
These measures include wearing a mask around other people who are not in the same household, avoiding gatherings, washing or disinfecting your hands frequently, and staying at home when you have symptoms of COVID-19. or after spending time with other people with symptoms. Anyone with symptoms – such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath – should be tested immediately and should stay home from work or school.
“We have said it before and we will say it again, but this time in a much more urgent manner,” Lautenbach said in the statement. “Today, perhaps more than ever, the actions you take today can save your life and the lives of others. Cancel your plans this weekend. “
Diane Duthweiler of KIRO Radio contributed to this report.
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