St. Lawrence County has gone from a low CDC transmission rating for COVID-19 to a high rate of transmission in a short amount of time, reports the county Board of Health president.

Dr. Andrew Williams said, in a statement late Wednesday (Aug. 18), that the rise in cases is due to the new Delta variant of the virus. He urged the strategic use of masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, and other COVID precautions.

“There has been a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations throughout St. Lawrence County in recent weeks. In a short period of time, the community has gone from a CDC category of low transmission rate to high transmission. In the past week alone, there were more than 200 new cases, many requiring Emergency Department care and hospitalization. The rise in cases is driven by the Delta variant; this version of COVID-19 is twice as contagious, twice as likely to lead to hospitalization, and is associated with an increased risk of ‘breakthrough cases’ (infections in individuals who are fully vaccinated) compared to the prior version of COVID-19,” Williams said.

Fortunately, vaccinations continue to provide significant protection from severe disease, hospitalization and death, even against the Delta variant, said Williams. The Board of Health president said people who are unvaccinated are five times more likely to be infected and 25 times more likely to be hospitalized. Ninety-seven percent of the hospital admissions in the United States are of unvaccinated individuals.

“Unfortunately, St. Lawrence County vaccination rates remain lower than the national, regional and state average; currently only 51% of our community is fully immunized,” Williams said.

“Vaccines continue to be a critical tool in our battle against COVID-19. More than 350 million vaccines have been administered in the United States, with an excellent record of safety. Vaccination is completely free and easily accessible throughout the community – at SLC Department of Health, many local medical providers and local pharmacies,” he said.

At most sites, same- day appointments are available.

School-based vaccination clinics are being scheduled throughout St. Lawrence County as well.

The CDC is currently recommending “booster” vaccinations for individuals who are considered to be moderately or severely immunosuppressed due to an underlying medical condition or medications, the BOH president said, and it is anticipated that the CDC will soon recommend booster vaccinations for individuals on a more general basis.

“Our schools and universities are just about to reopen for in-person education. In-person education is critical for the emotional well-being of our children and young adults. Athletics and after school activities are essential for physical and intellectual health as well. We need to make every effort to limit the impact that COVID has on the ability of our educators to safely teach our students and reopen schools and activities,” Williams said.

“Efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community need to be in place so that the Delta variant does not sabotage a safe reopening plan,” he said.

Williams advised that in addition to vaccination, the strategic use of masks for indoor settings in high prevalence communities can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the NYS Department of Education have clear guidance about the role of masks in a school setting, he said.

“Breakthrough cases,” in which a fully vaccinated individual is infected with COVID-19 are uncommon but real, the BOH president said, but most of these cases are mild and rarely result in severe disease or hospitalization.

“Vaccination continues to demonstrate significant protection from complications or death. However, the reality of ‘breakthrough cases’ underscores the importance of appropriate mask use and the other public health measures implemented last year,” Williams said. “Because COVID-19 transmission rates are now high in the community, it is recommended that individuals wear masks when indoors – regardless of vaccination status.”

“Our response to this phase of the pandemic can be sensible, strategic and flexible based on the local prevalence of COVID-19. We can learn from the lessons of the past year and do everything possible to allow our communities to stay open and prosper. The current increase in cases, driven by the Delta variant, requires a multi-layered strategy to keep our community safe, our schools open and in-person and our businesses thriving. Vaccination is a key tool – but only works if people use it. In addition to vaccination, the 5 Pillars of Prevention (wear a mask, physically distance, wash your hands, stay home if you are sick and stay local) are critical to our success as a community,” said Williams.