county health officer and agency ….

county health officer and agency director of the HCA. “The average number of cases increased from 31 to over 100 per day over the last month, and our total testing positivity increased from 0.6 to 2.5 percent. Hospitalizations also jumped from 54 to 119 patients per day, and ICU admissions increased from 13 to 31 patients per day. This means we need to continue being proactive about protecting our loved ones and neighbors and taking the necessary steps to help reduce the risk of infection throughout our county.” In line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HCA is reminding individuals to avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, especially those who are not fully vaccinated or who live with others who are unvaccinated or have a high health risk of contracting COVID-19. Over 90 percent of new positive cases are among people who are not fully vaccinated, and over 95 percent of those hospitalized with COVID-19 had not been fully vaccinated. According to the CDC, all COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the U.S. are effective against COVID-19, including serious outcomes like severe disease, hospitalization and death.

Testing also remains a critical component of the county’s strategy to reduce viral transmission. At-home COVID-19 test kits are available at no cost by visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest.