Garfield County sees increase in ‘Delta’ variant cases

Six cases of the highly contagious COVID-19 variant confirmed

PRESS RELEASE
June 10, 2021

Garfield County Public Health is aware of an increased amount of cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant in neighboring Mesa County and has identified six confirmed individuals in Garfield County who have tested positive for the variant over the past three weeks. Not all positive cases are sequenced for variants, meaning the actual number of infections is much higher.

Public health is asking anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to please do so to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community as a whole.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), which originated in India, as a “variant of concern.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is classifying Delta as a “variant of interest.” First identified in India in October 2020, where Delta has been confirmed, there has been an increased number of COVID cases overall.

The Delta variant has been found to be more contagious, particularly amongst youth ages 12 to 20. According to Garfield County Public Health, anyone in Garfield County that tests positive for the COVID-19 virus likely has a variant strain of the disease. Areas of Colorado with lower vaccination rates are more likely to be impacted by the spread of the variants.

Garfield County Public Health reminds the public to maintain health precautions, especially if you are unvaccinated.

Avoid crowds and keep your distance from others; this virus and variant strain is highly contagious and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes.
Wear a mask in public indoor settings, wherever social distancing is not possible, and where required by federal or other facility regulations.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Stay home if you are sick. Seek testing for COVID-19 if you display symptoms; vaccine clinics are available throughout Garfield County. Go to garfield-county.com for more information and up-to-date alerts related to COVID-19.

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