While surveillance is more relaxed than during the pandemic, Green River District Health Department (GRDHD) Director Clay Horton said they are noticing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks compared to through the summer. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is similarly reporting an increase in cases nationwide.
While the CDC has reported a 12.5% uptick in hospitalizations, Horton said admissions locally remain “relatively low.”
“We’re definitely seeing more cases than earlier this summer,” He said. “With at-home tests readily available, it’s difficult to compile the true number of cases, but the ones we can track are increasing drastically.”
Horton wanted to reiterate to the community that COVID-19 is circulating in the area and does pose a significant risk to some individuals.
“If you’re sick or you’ve been exposed to someone that’s had COVID, get tested,” he said. “Use masks in a crowded indoor environment or public transportation, and wash your hands regularly.
He continued, “Most importantly, though, get tested. You can still get tested at the Health Department and most doctor’s offices and clinics. At-home tests are also readily available.”
GRDHD reports show the increase in cases locally began in mid-to-late July before school started. Horton added that the shift in social patterns with school returning could play a role in spreading the virus.
“I think when school starts back up, social patterns shift, and we interact with different people,” he said. “We saw the uptick in late July, though, so it’s impossible to pinpoint any one factor definitively.”
Horton said the district will continue to monitor cases and encourages people to visit cdc.gov for the latest guidelines and precautions. He also cautioned residents of the abundance of misinformation on the internet and social media and urged individuals to lean on reliable sources for information.
The CDC also announced the release of a new vaccine, which should be available in mid-to-late September.
“I want to re-emphasize that we are noticing it, and we are tracking it,” Horton said. “I would encourage individuals to get this booster. It’s targeted towards the current variant in circulation.”
Horton added that the COVID-19 vaccination pattern would closely resemble the flu vaccine.
