COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. The U.S. is in the grip of a fourth wave of infection this summer, powered by the highly contagious delta variant, which has sent cases, hospitalizations and deaths soaring again, and erased months of progress against the virus. What COVID-19 has in store for this Fall depends on human behavior.
During July and the first half of August, better than 86% of COVID-19 cases in Arizona have been among those who aren’t fully vaccinated. You are far more likely to become seriously ill, to be hospitalized, and to die from COVID-19 if you aren’t fully vaccinated. Deaths in the U.S. are running at over 1,100 a day on average, which we haven’t seen since mid-March. Since students returned to in-person learning in August, AZ school districts have reported more than 2,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases throughout the state and required thousands of students to quarantine. Arizona researchers say children 15 years old and younger are projected to have the highest COVID-19 infection rates in the state soon.
Our behavior is going to determine if, when and how long the current wave lasts, which means doubling down again on masks, limiting social gatherings, staying home when sick and getting vaccinated. We can make choices that reduce risk for ourselves, our families, children, co-workers, teachers, bus drivers, janitors – everyone.
The county has tested 136,132 residents for COVID-19 and there have been 23,342 positive cases and 577 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. The county remains in high transmission with 281 cases per 100,000, and a 13.6% positivity rate.
According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker 41.2% of Yavapai residents over 12 years of age are fully vaccinated, 43.1% over 18, and 60.1% over age 65.
Yavapai Regional Medical Center reports 47 COVID-19 patients, VVMC reports 25, and the VA has 4 COVID-19 patients.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or what seems to be a bad cold, please get tested for COVID-19. Testing sites: https://yavapaiaz.gov/Portals/39/COVID-19/TestingSitesinYavapaiCounty.pdf.
The best way to avoid getting infected is to get vaccinated. The vaccines are safe, effective, and free. Check out: https://yavapaiaz.gov/chs/Home/COVID-19/COVID-19-Vaccine-Appointments or Call: 928-771-3122 for appointments. Phone Bank for Assistance: 928-442-5103. Or www.vaccine.gov
