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Two COVID-19 ‘Delta variant’ cases confirmed in Lake County; more local deaths identified
The Thursday report from Lake County Public Health said the cases of the Delta variant confirmed locally are “a stark reminder COVID-19 remains a present and evolving threat, despite relaxation of business and activity restrictions statewide.”
The Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health characterize Delta (B.1.617.2) as a variant of concern, as it is “hypertransmissible,” and “may have moderately decreased response to antibody treatments.”
At the same time as the variant has been identified locally, Lake County’s testing positivity and daily case rates have begun to increase after an all-time low during mid-June, Public Health reported.
In another development, Lake County Public Health medical staff are currently undertaking a significant effort to appropriately document COVID-19-related deaths, applying criteria provided by the California Department of Public Health.
Documentation regarding dozens of deaths not previously recognized as COVID-related was recently sent to counties across the state, officials said.
Thus far, this process has resulted in the identification of 11 additional Lake County-connected COVID-related deaths, bringing the total to 56.
Public Health said these newly-recorded deaths are not recent. Most occurred in December or January, when the pandemic was at its peak in California, and some date as far back as October. Further updates are expected.
Health officials are continuing to urge Lake County residents to be vaccinated against the virus.
As of Monday, June 28, 44.2% of eligible Lake County residents still had not received even one dose.
Public Health said unvaccinated individuals continue to face significant risk of severe illness, should they come into contact with the virus, and with people now moving about more in our communities, precautions are essential.
“The best tool available is vaccination,” the agency said in its Thursday statement.
Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines have continued to prove protective, even against the Delta variant. Rare “breakthrough cases,” those identified among fully vaccinated individuals, have generally been quite mild or even asymptomatic, officials said.
People at high risk of severe complications (e.g. age 65+, people of any age with a history of heart, lung or autoimmune disorders or diabetes) that have not already been vaccinated should strongly consider doing so, Public Health said.
If you are concerned the vaccine may not be safe for you because of a history of allergic reactions or other particular factors, please consult your doctor and get your questions answered. Online resources such as https://yourvaccinationguide.org/ can also be helpful.