McDonough County’s COVID-19 community transmission is now at Substantial level per Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recent rise in cases is likely attributed to the more contagious Delta variant which has now become the more predominant variant across the country. Still, vaccines continue to be the best form of protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant and help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The McDonough County Health Department (MCHD) strongly endorses the recently updated CDC masking guidance which recommends everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas with substantial and high transmission.
This recommendation includes employers, retailers, restaurants/bars, fitness/recreational centers, libraries, governmental entities, healthcare facilities, and other public venues. Additionally, CDC is also recommending universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors in K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. As a result, school leaders and local school districts hold the ultimate authority to develop plans to return to school and ensure a safe school environment. COVID-19 vaccine providers are now widely available and likely within minutes of your home or workplace.
Please visit www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you or check out our COVID-19 Vaccine website www.getyourcovidshot.com for upcoming vaccination dates here at your local health department.
It remains critical that individuals who are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised continue practicing preventive measures as they are at greater risk of contracting these more transmissible variants, some of which are more likely to lead to severe outcomes. In addition, to help interrupt and prevent community spread, persons with COVID-19 infection need to self-isolate (stay home except for medical care) and their close contacts need to get tested after exposure. Close contacts should also self-quarantine unless they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had COVID-19 infection within three months of exposure. Updated recommendations on masking based on vaccination status and setting are available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.
According to the latest CDC COVID-19 vaccination data, more than 52 percent of eligible residents 12 years and older in McDonough County have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 40 percent are fully vaccinated. Of residents 65 years and older, 90 percent have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 70 percent are fully vaccinated. As vaccination efforts continue, there are numerous options for members of the community to get their COVID-19 vaccine in McDonough County. In addition to visiting www.vaccines.gov to find a nearby vaccine provider, check out or vaccine website for upcoming vaccination dates at www.getyourcovidshot.com. or by calling our office at (309) 837-9951.
Data is provisional and subject to change. Data source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
***Report Courtesy of the McDonough County Health Department***
