COVID-19 is increasing in California as well as within Stanislaus County. Stanislaus County witnessed an abrupt rise in cases late last week, nearly doubling from the week prior. This increase is being driven by the Delta variant and many people who are not fully vaccinated. Only 45% of Stanislaus County residents aged 12 years old and older are fully vaccinated, leaving most adolescents and adults unprotected and at risk for COVID-19.
Please remember, if you have missed your second dose, it is not too late. You do not have to restart the series. Complete your series today.
We do know that the Delta variant is two times more transmissible than the original coronavirus strain. A single dose of Pfizer has been shown to be around 30% effective against the Delta variant.
Public Health urges all those 12 years old and older who have not completed their vaccine series to get their second dose as soon as possible. Previous infection offers some protection against the Delta variant but less than vaccination, especially in those 65 years and older. All people, regardless of whether they have previously had COVID-19 or not, should be vaccinated for the best protection against this deadly virus.
The vaccines still protects you against the Delta variant, but a little less so than against strains of COVID-19 that were circulating last year. No vaccine is 100% protective.
With the highly infectious Delta variant spreading, fully vaccinated people may want to act out of precautionary measure and wear a mask indoors.
If you or someone within your household is 65 or older, has a risk factor for COVID-19, take medication that lowers your immune system, or have an underlying medical condition, Public Health recommends wearing a mask indoors.
All unvaccinated people are required to wear a mask indoors as mandated by the State of California.