By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org
On the heals of announcing that the Omicron variant has been detected in Kent County, the Kent County Health Department released some sobering COVID-19 statistics.
The positivity rate has been 20.5 percent for COVID with the average number of cases per day being 377 in the last seven days.
Currently there are 400 people hospitalized with COVID, of which 102 are in intensive care units. About 90 percent of those patients in ICU are not vaccinated.
There is some good news in that about 62 percent of those eligible to be vaccinated, which are people who are ages 5 and up, are fully vaccinated. About 67.2 percent of population that is eligible has received at least one dose. Also 128,859 boosters have been administered in Kent County.
Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London said the best way to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicorn variant is to be fully vaccinated and to get the booster shot.
“The identification of the Omicron variant is not unexpected,” London said. “We are fortunate that we have an effective, safe, and available vaccine that can protect us from this illness. We continue to urge people to get their vaccine and their boosters as soon as they are eligible.”
Early indicators suggest the Omicron variant causes milder COVID-19 than the Delta variant but seems to spread faster. The person identified with the Omicron variant is vaccinated but has not received a booster. However, according to KCHD officials, it is too early to determine precisely the severity of the disease caused by Omicron or if existing treatments will be as effective.
Other steps to take:
Get vaccinated against influenza
Stay home if you are sick
Wear a mask in public, indoor spaces, or crowded outdoors
Avoid large indoor gatherings
Wash your hands frequently
Get a COVID-19 test if you are exposed or are symptomatic
London also noted that the public health order on required facial coverings for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade would be in effect until Jan. 2, 2022. There are no plans at this time to extend the order.
“Vaccination appointments are readily available throughout the community,” London said. “And more importantly, school and legislative leaders have had ample time, with an awareness of the timeline and the relevant facts, to create long-term policies for COVID mitigation.”
On Oct. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted vaccine authorization for children ages 5 to 11. Since vaccinations started being administered this age group, 26.8 percent of children in Kent County, have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Working with school officials, the Health Department has developed a COVID-19 Precautions for Students flyer in both English and Spanish. A few tips from that flyer are:
Students with symptoms MUST stay home
Consider contacting your family doctor or scheduling a test
Practice healthy behaviors like social distancing, getting good sleep, eating well, and staying active.
For more information from the Kent County Health Department, visit www.accesskent.com/Health/.
