COVID 19 DELTA VARIANT

As restrictions are being relaxed across the country, the Delta variant is quickly becoming the prevalent coronavirus strain. The Delta variant was first identified in India in December of 2020. As of early July, the Delta variant has been found in 96 countries. According to Yale Medicine, it is 50% more contagious than the original SARS-COV-2 virus.

This is very concerning for several reasons. In spite of plenty of vaccines available in the United States, many Americans still remain unvaccinated. The unvaccinated are highly susceptible to infection. When infected, they may become very ill, or even hospitalized, and continue to spread the infection.

Cases of breakthrough infections have been documented. Previously, breakthrough cases were believed to only occur in people who are older or with weakened immune systems. According to the Wall Street Journal, in a recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Israel, about half of the adults infected were fully inoculated with Pfizer vaccine. Last night, a major league baseball game Yankees v. Redsox was postponed due to 3 Yankees pitchers who had been vaccinated testing positive for the coronavirus.

So what can we do to protect ourselves?
First, and foremost, get vaccinated. If you have been vaccinated, continue wearing masks when indoors at gatherings or outdoors in large crowds. Continue to practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer. Also, continue to practice social distancing. Keep in mind, not only are you protecting yourself, you are protecting others.

For more information about the Delta variant and COVID-19 please visit the CDC website at:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7028e2.htm

Enjoy your summer, but most importantly, stay safe!