Clayton County has what CDC calls ‘substantial community transmission of COVID-19’
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
Clayton County has entered what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) called “substantial community transmission of COVID-19,” according to a press release issued last week by the Clayton County Board of Health.
“The CDC defines substantial transmission as ‘areas where positivity rates are between 8 and 10 percent, and high transmission as areas with a positivity rate of 10 percent or higher.’ In comparison to this time two weeks ago, the county was considered low in community spread and had a seven-day positivity rate of 0 percent and a 14-day positivity rate of 2 percent,” the press release stated. “This recent uptick in virus activity is not unique to Clayton County, with many other counties in northeast Iowa experiencing the same trend. As a state, Iowa is considered a high transmission area by the CDC.”
As of late last week, Clayton County had a total of 1,857 positive tests since the start of the pandemic, and seven new positive tests over a seven-day period, according to data from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Iowa’s total was at 419,238 positive tests, and the state has experienced a seven-day average of 747 cases per day. The 14-day average of new cases is seven times higher than six weeks ago.
Hospitalizations have ticked up as well, with 355 people receiving care as of late last week, compared to less than 60 on June 21, nearly two months ago. Of those currently hospitalized around Iowa, 103 were in the ICU. Two months ago, IDPH reported less than 20 ICU patients.
Since the start of the pandemic, 58 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Clayton County. There have been 6,210 total deaths in Iowa.
What happens when communities enter substantial or high virus spread? The Clayton County Board of Health said the CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for those who are eligible and universal masking in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status, in addition to other strategies to prevent further spread. Social distance when possible, avoid poorly ventilated spaces with others and wash your hands and cover coughs.
If you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and seek medical care if needed. Free home test kits are available through Test Iowa for anyone needing or wanting to be tested.
“The overall goal is to crush the curve before it escalates further and help communities see their transmission rates trend down. In doing this, we produce healthier community members and protect those who are most vulnerable, such as those with pre-existing conditions and those who are not eligible to receive the protection of the COVID vaccine,” the press release stated.
IDPH said 2,992,943 COVID-19 vaccination doses have been administered to Iowans as of late last week. According to the CDC, 54.7 percent of the state’s population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 50.3 percent of residents are now fully vaccinated. That’s up from 50.6 percent and 46.6 percent, respectively, nearly two months ago.
In Clayton County, 328 series have been initiated for a two-dose vaccine, while 6,419 series of a two-dose vaccine have been completed. Additionally, 597 people have completed a single-dose vaccination.
The CDC reported 41 percent of Clayton County residents have been vaccinated—up 1 percent from nearly two months ago. That includes 48 percent of people age 12 and over, 52 percent of people age 18 and over and 76 percent of people age 65 and over.
Visit www.testiowa.com/en or call the VNA at (563) 245-1145 for more information.
