Please – Let’s all do our part
As of July 21 Sonoma County’s daily transmission rate of COVID-19 is 9 new infections per 100,000 people and 48 COVID patients were being treated at area hospitals. These numbers represent the biggest local surge of the pandemic since March of this year. Nine COVID-related deaths were reported in July compared to just one death recorded in the month of May.
These numbers are cause for serious concern, and should demand all of our attention. Under the previous State guidance, our case rate would signal widespread transmission, placing Sonoma County in the purple, most restrictive tier. While we are no longer subject to the State’s tiered system, the steady steady rise in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths warrant serious precautions to protect one another, avoid overwhelming our healthcare system and refrain from necessitating more restrictive public health measures.
With the arrival of the highly contagious Delta variant, COVID-19 is spreading among younger unvaccinated residents. Health officials urge all community members to get the vaccine if they have not done so already. I urge everyone to do this. I ask you to pass the word to your family, friends and co-workers. This is the most powerful tool we have to protect against COVID-19 severe illness and death.
Health officials throughout the Bay Area also recommend that all residents wear masks in all public places. This is an added protection for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, including children under 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccinations.
Be careful and be aware. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, get tested and avoid putting others at risk.
I’m asking for your help. Through our collective efforts, we were able to overcome some of the most devastating periods of this pandemic. Overcoming this current surge requires us all to, once again, do our part.
— Chris Coursey, Sonoma County Third District Supervisor
