By L. Parsons Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise not only nationally but here in Arizona and Navajo County as well. According to Navajo County Public Health Director Janelle Linn, most of the new positive cases in the county are due to the delta variant. She said last week, “We are seeing a resurgence. In the last 24 hours, we have seen 22 new cases. We are on the brink of another surge, the pattern is almost exactly like it was last summer and we are seeing one new hospitalization a day.” Last week, according to Navajo County, 90 new cases have been reported along with six hospitalizations and one death off tribal land. Other information from the county stated that there are 67 active cases in Holbrook, 130 in Winslow and 68 in Snowflake/Taylor. The State of Arizona is facing another surge as well. Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ said, “Ninety percent of new cases in Arizona are among the unvaccinated. We are currently seeing an increase in the percent and number of inpatient beds being used by COVID patients and a similar trend in intensive care unit (ICU) beds. “Right now, nearly 75% of positive cases that have been sequenced are being detected of the Delta variant. It was 3% in May.” Increases in hospitalizations are also due to the delta variant. This variant, according to Center for Disease Control Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, presents more severe symptoms and the CDC has adjusted its guidelines to reflect that. “This pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to all Americans and Delta remains the prominent strain. More than 8 of 10 samples sequenced have been found to contain the Delta variant. This variant behaves uniquely and differently. Some vaccinated people may be contagious and spread the virus to others which warrants an update to our recommendations,” stated Walensky. She noted that vaccination does prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death, “In areas of substantial and high transmission, we are recommending that those who are fully vaccinated should wear masks while inside, this includes schools. The CDC recommends everyone in K-12 schools wear a mask but should return to full time in-person learning with proper protocols in place. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes are in areas with low vaccination rates. We continue to follow the science closely and adjust our recommendations if needed.” Dr. Christ stated, “The major driving force in this rise is people who are not fully vaccinated. Approximately 98% of deaths since March have been of unvaccinated individuals.” The message remains that vaccination may be the best way to combat this surge of infection, according to Christ. She said, “57% of eligible Arizonans have had at least one dose of a vaccination. Eligible people are anyone over the age of 12 years old. Yes, there will be breakthrough cases, but largely, the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and others is get those vaccines.” To date in Navajo County, 61,958 people have been vaccinated off of tribal land. County officials continue to track infections and variants and will be sharing information daily on their social media pages under Navajo County Government. Vaccines are available throughout the county at no cost for anyone over the age of 12.
