Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) officially moved the county to the highest alert status of red today which indicates widespread uncontrolled community transmission.
There are several data sources that are considered when evaluating community transmission of COVID-19. The main indicator used is the seven-day rolling average of cases per day/per 100,000 residents. “The rolling average hit 25.46 today, just over the 25-case threshold to move to red,” states Jefferson County Health Department Director, Kelley Vollmar. “Our COVID-19 case total increased 391 cases in the last seven days with an estimated 13.6% positivity rate among tests.” JCHD reported 223 new cases from Friday through Monday at midnight for a total of 3,248 county cases. Of that total, there are currently 882 active COVID-19 cases and 818 individuals actively quarantined as contacts to a positive case.
“It took weeks to earn our current status,” states Director Vollmar, “and it will take just as long to pull ourselves back out. We can’t do it alone. We need the community’s help.” JCHD has not currently recommended the closing of schools or businesses, as long as they can incorporate strict health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of their clients, students and staff. Businesses should incorporate low touch/no touch interactions as much as possible. While JCHD strongly encourages limiting social gatherings to 10 people or less, social distancing of 6 feet or more and use of masks when outside of the home, a special meeting of the JCHD Board of Trustees for the purpose of an ordinance is not planned at this time.
In the absence of county mandates, JCHD strongly urges residents to practice diligent prevention measures as a matter of personal responsibility:
limit unnecessary travel and contact with others outside of the home
avoid crowds and minimize social gatherings
practice 6-foot physical distancing
wear a mask when in public as recommended by the CDC
practice proper hygiene (cough etiquette, hand washing) and disinfection protocols
stay home if you are sick
