On Tuesday, Lane County Public Health reported 97 new COVID-19 cases, the most seen in a 24-hour period since mid-spring.
Health officials say there are two likely reasons for the case spike. One: The vaccination rate is not sufficient to prevent spread. And two: The highly transmittable Delta variant is on the rise in the region. At least 13 cases have been confirmed with many more expected to be circulating.
Lane County Public Health spokesperson Jason Davis admitted it’s frustrating, but insisted communities have the prevention tools needed.
“Vaccinations. Vaccinations. Vaccinations,” Davis said. “And, also we’re starting to see the CDC make recommendations about individuals who are vaccinated wearing masks indoors. Also, individuals who are unvaccinated—wear your mask, please, please wear your mask.”
Davis said it is time to take health considerations to heart. That may mean rethinking things like travel or attending large gatherings.
Lane County Public Health is calling upon vaccinated residents to help with COVID-19 vax efforts. Health officials say having a “trust-based conversation” with a friend or a family member-- who has yet to be vaccinated—can be most effective in assisting with getting to community immunity.
Davis said, public health and media partners can’t have those value-added conversations like loved ones can. Listening to concerns, sharing science-based information and feelings of trust are keys.
“The stakes have never been higher, Davis said. “The implications are those hospitalizations and those deaths. We don’t want to take a ‘sky is falling approach,’ but we just looked at two deaths yesterday (Monday.)
Two community members who are unvaccinated, who did not need to die and sadly passed away.”
Davis said he couldn’t sit by without mentioning the implications of not having these conversations with loved ones who are vaccine-reticent at this time in the pandemic.
