16 Aug Delta Variant: COVID-19 Surge

COVID-19 cases are increasing at a worrisome rate in Washington County, Oregon, and nationwide. The state has seen several days of 1,000 plus cases in the last week. To put that in perspective, a month ago on July 1, the weekly average daily case rate was less than 200. 

Here are  key things to know about where we are in the pandemic:

• The highly contagious Delta variant and low vaccination rates are a dangerous combination.
• Vaccines are effective and the best way to beat the virus. The vaccine has shown to greatly reduce symptoms, hospitalizations, and deaths. 
• Breakthrough Cases – COVID-19 infections in fully vaccinated individuals – are rare but do happen. The CDC reported  a little over 6,500 known breakthrough cases since July 26 in the country of 163 million vaccinated people. Less than .001% died from the disease.
• Infections that occur in people who are vaccinated tend to be mild.
• Research released last week shows that vaccinated people can spread COVID-19 as easily as those who are unvaccinated, after scientists observed the same amount of viral load in breakthrough cases as in infected unvaccinated individuals, upending past thoughts and leading to new mask guidance.
• Oregon is expecting daily case rates to grow into August.

😷Masks are Required: The CDC is strongly urging everyone to wear masks in indoor public places where the Delta variant is spreading. 

What does that mean for Washington County?

According to the CDC, Washington County’s level of community transmission is substantial and the Oregon Health Authority is now recommending we all wear masks indoors.

What does that mean for you and your family? Be safe and stay informed. We’ll be providing more information about schools, and COVID-19  in the coming weeks so stay tuned to make sure your children are ready for a safe return.

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