COVID-19 Information

What is the Delta Variant and how can I keep my family protected?

For many, this summer has marked a return to normal. But COVID-19 is still circulating in the United States, and a new strain — largely impacting unvaccinated people — is gaining ground. Here’s what you need to know about it:

THE DELTA VARIANT IS MORE CONTAGIOUS THAN OTHER COVID-19 STRAINS

The Delta variant is a highly contagious mutation of SARS-CoV-2 and experts have found it to be twice as contagious as the original strain. Recent estimates from the CDC show the Delta variant now accounts for more than 51% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, making it the dominant variant. Last month it was classified as a “variant of concern” by the CDC. The CDC defines “variants of concern” as having increased transmissibility, increased disease severity, or reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines.

UNVACCINATED PEOPLE ARE MOST AT RISK

In May, the Cleveland Clinic reported that 99 percent of new cases and COVID-19-related hospitalizations were people who were not fully vaccinated. This is especially important as patients infected with the Delta variant are twice as likely to be hospitalized. In a local news article, Mark Steele—chief clinical officer of Truman Medical Centers, University Health—reported that all of their current hospitalized COVID-19 patients are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, COVID-19 cases are spiking in southwest and northern Missouri, where vaccination rates are low.

COVID-19 VACCINES PROVIDE STRONG PROTECTION AGAINST DELTA

percent effective at preventing infection, 88 percent effective at preventing symptomatic disease, and 96 percent effective at preventing hospitalization from the delta variant. The Moderna vaccine uses the same technology as Pfizer and has shown similar rates of overall effectiveness. The single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine generates a strong antibody response against the Delta variant and other prevalent COVID-19 variants.

DELTA WON’T BE THE LAST VARIANT TO ARISE

Continued transmission of COVID-19 and spread throughout the community drastically increases its chances of a mutation similar to the delta variant. If we break the cycle of transmission and decrease the number of infections in a community we can curb new variants from forming. Vaccination helps both to prevent COVID-19 infection and to keep new variants from developing.

BE VIGILANT, NOT ALARMED

While the delta variant is concerning, there are still many ways community members can protect themselves. Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you haven’t already. COVID-19 vaccination offers the best protection against all COVID-19 variants. Visit jacohd. org/events to find local vaccination clinics. If you’re due for your second dose, make a plan to receive it as soon as possible. Getting both doses maximizes your protection against all COVID-19 variants. If you’re not fully vaccinated, continue wearing a mask and social distancing. Whether you’ve been vaccinated or not, get tested

for COVID-19 if you’re feeling sick. Find testing opportunities at jacohd.org/events. Stay up-to-date on case rates in your community. View Eastern Jackson County COVID-19 data here. If you have any questions about COVID-19, the COVID-19 vaccine, or the delta variant, reach out to your local health department or your primary care provider. The World Health Organization — citing the rise of Delta, the dearth of vaccines, and high rates of community transmission in many parts of the world — has encouraged fully vaccinated people to continue wearing masks.

- Jackson County Health Department

Utility & Rent Assistance

The Blue Springs Community Services League is administering Federal Rent Assistance funds to households behind in their rent or utilities.

This program is part of the stimulus package passed by the United States Congress in December 2020 to help communities and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that includes relief for renters. Residents in Jackson County, Missouri outside of Kansas City, Missouri behind in rent and/or utility payments, due to the impact of COVID-19 may be eligible for assistance through this program. Applicants will need several documents to start their application and should thoroughly review the documents listed here: www.jacksoncountyerap. org/applicationchecklist

This opportunity is only for residents of Jackson County outside of Kansas City, MO. At this time, only first-time recipients will be considered.

For more information about the program or eligibility requirements, go to https://www.jacksoncountyerap.org

JACKSON COUNTY REQUIRES FACEMASKS IN PUBLIC PLACES

Per the Jackson County, Missouri Health Order dated August 9, 2021, face masks are now required in all indoor public places. The health order aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Jackson County Health Department and is supported by Jackson County public school district superintendents and the region’s Chief Medical Officers. The public health order is in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations due, in part, to the highly-contagious Delta variant and our region’s low vaccination rates. According to a new state law, the County Executive and Health Director’s authority to issue public health orders is now limited to 30 days. Any extension of this order beyond 30 days will require the support of a majority of the Jackson County Legislature.