8
MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 29, 2021
HOSPITALIZATIONS REMAIN LOW IN MONROE COUNTY
COVID CREEPING BACK By Jim McCarthy and Sara Matthis
H
ealth officials growing concerned over COVID-19 case spikes in the U.S. are blaming a delta variant and a population of citizens who haven’t received a vaccine. No local policy changes are expected despite an uptick in new cases in Monroe County — doing so would take some serious justification to the state of Florida. And while local officials are monitoring the situation, they say there is no urgent concern. “As of (July 23), there were zero cases of the delta variant in Monroe County, according to a report from Shannon Weiner, our emergency manager,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Coldiron. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidelines on July 27 in lieu of the delta variant and surging cases nationwide. The CDC said people fully vaccinated can participate in many activities as they did before the pandemic. However, in areas where transmission and positive cases are rising, the CDC urges people — even those vaccinated — to wear a mask when indoors in public. A weekly report by the Florida Health Department showed new daily state cases on the downward trend in early June — 18,409 on June 5 to 10,459 on June 11. By July 16, however, that number ticked to nearly 73,200. New positive cases went from 3.3% on June 11 to 15.1% on July 16. A feature on the CDC website allows users to watch the recent spike of COVID-19 spill throughout Florida. Miami-Dade County turned “red” — or highest level of community transmission — on July 4. By July 11, Monroe County had the same status. By July 25, the entire state was categorized as high level. Data from the CDC shows the fall and now rise of new COVID-19 cases in the Florida Keys. In April, the Keys were averaging between 12 and 21 new cases a day. By May, those numbers had fallen to between 1 and 10 new cases a day. In June, fewer than six cases a day were reported in the Keys. In July, the numbers began to climb again. The most recent accounting reveals an average of 13 new cases a day.
Bob Eadie, top health officer in the Keys, said while there is “a great deal of transmission” in Florida and the U.S., hospitalizations locally are low. Eadie said the delta variant seems to be more communicable, with symptoms a little worse. “The good thing is the vaccines are effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization or death, regardless of which variant it is,” he said. Lower Keys Medical Center remains in green status, with sufficient staffing, equipment and supplies, said CEO David Clay. The hospital was treating four COVID patients as of July 27. “We have seen an increase in patients presenting to the ER with cold and flu symptoms. Age ranges remain consistent,” he said. “Precautions and protocols continue as they have been throughout the pandemic and we remain committed to safely caring for our community. “ Right now, Monroe County has the third highest percentage of vaccinated residents, behind only Sumter County which includes The Villages, and Miami-Dade County. More than 99% of Keys seniors, ages 65 years old and up, have received at least one vaccine. “Only 25 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds have been vaccinated in the Keys,” according to a local health department spokesperson. Terri Axford, the Monroe County School District superintendent, said there were no COVID-19 cases reported during either summer school session. On July 27, the school district met with the health department to talk about the start of the school year in about two weeks for a “regular year” of in-person instruction. “Well, things are changing by the minute still. But for now, we’re just saying that masks are optional, but highly recommended, particularly for unvaccinated students and teachers,” said Axford, adding that the district is following the recommendations of local, state and federal governments. “Parents should be aware of the current situation and transmission rate in our county and make good decisions as it relates to their kids.”
