28 Jul 21
Residents and Family Members,
Data continues to be shared by state agencies related to the Delta variant. As of yesterday, 90% of positive results have been identified as delta variant within the state. The transmissibility with the variant is greater because of the much larger viral load it produces. The theory is that this is contributing to the rise in breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals. A recent study indicates the virus was first detectable in people with the Delta variant four days after exposure, compared with an average of six days among people with the original strain, suggesting that Delta replicates much faster. Individuals infected with Delta also had viral loads up to 1,260 times higher than those in people infected with the original strain. Over the past 14 days, the cases reported rate is currently increasing at a rate of 30%, hospitalizations are up 15%, and deaths are increasing by 15%. Only 54% of our state is fully vaccinated, though we are at 65% for ages 18 and up.
In response, the health department is implementing increased surveillance testing for facilities. Any unvaccinated staff or resident (initial 14 days after admission) will be rapid tested daily. A positive test will be immediately followed with PCR testing through the state lab. In addition, they have provided updated guidance for eye protection as well as direction for use of N95 respirators.
I know wearing the mask during visits is uncomfortable and makes hearing discussions difficult, but as a reminder this is mandatory. I’ve asked staff to be more cognizant of compliance with this state direction and remind our visitors and residents that masks need to be worn by all during the visit. This includes visitation in rooms when they occur.
The county is providing updates on a weekly basis and will result in a slight delay in the currency of the data provided in the letter. Active outbreaks have remained at 10 still active in the community with 3 of those being in health facilities/entities. The last identified outbreak was on 7/16 at a long-term care setting. Positives for Jul are 129 through the 22nd while the rolling average for positive results for individuals tested in the last 7 days, increased to 4.8 % from 4.2%. Parkview Hospital hospitalizations related to COVID is currently 10 cases while St Mary Corwin has 1 COVID case in their care. Parkview reported occupancy at 190 while St Mary Corwin is reporting 42 for occupancy. This leaves 53 available beds between the hospitals.
This letter is provided electronically either through email or our website. We do mail a copy the first week a new admit joins us if no email has been provided to share the information how to receive future copies via the website. If you are not receiving by email and would like to do so, let us know your address. Please contact the facilities with your questions.
Sincerely,
Keith Jackson
Keith Jackson
Executive Director
