Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) is issuing this Health Advisory based on the significant increases in community transmission of COVID-19 with the emergence of the Delta variant.
New cases of COVID-19 are rising among the unvaccinated, particularly among children who are being exposed to COVID-19 as they resume normal activities without protection. While vaccinated individuals are protected against severe disease, they can still transmit the virus to those that are unvaccinated.
Over the last two weeks, the number of new cases in Jefferson County has increased from 59 to 84- a 42% increase. The highest number of cases during week 25 were in our 10–19 year old age group. This is concerning since most of that age group is eligible for the vaccine, but only 10.82% have completed the full series of vaccination.
For your safety and our ongoing recovery, we recommend that Jefferson County residents immediately consider the following to protect themselves and each other:
Wear a face covering in indoor public places when other people are present, even if you are vaccinated. We only recommend removing masks when you know the vaccination status of every person in your vicinity.
Please assume that 1 in 3 people in any crowd or gathering may be unvaccinated and be aware that all children under 12 will be unvaccinated and vulnerable in crowds to being exposed to COVID-19. We do not advise children or unvaccinated residents engage in large crowds and gatherings.
Protect children under 12 as they engage in school, camps, and other areas of their normal life. They can be exposed to other unvaccinated adults and children and outbreaks among children in these settings are becoming more common. Masks, social distancing, and hand washing are still highly recommended in order to protect children in these activities.
JCHD continues to recommend the following actions for individuals to protect themselves and their families:
Get vaccinated and encourage your loved ones 12 and older to get vaccinated. Vaccines are effective against the Delta variant and vaccination is the best tool we have to prevent illness. JCHD offers free, walk-in COVID-19 vaccines at pop-up sites across the county.
If you have any symptoms, even just cold symptoms (like headache, runny nose and sore throat), get tested. Stay home if you are sick. This applies for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents.
Wherever possible, maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet unless you are 100% certain that others are fully vaccinated.