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Case Rates Continue to Increase – Younger, unvaccinated residents account for the majority of new cases
Sonoma County is experiencing COVID-related cases and hospitalizations at the highest rates since March of this year. The County’s case rate increased this week to 9.5 new daily cases per 100,000 (up from 8.0), a test positivity rate of 4.4 percent (up from 3.9 ), and an equity metric positivity rate of 7.1 percent (up from 4.6).
County Health officials say this increase in cases coincides with the arrival of the Delta variant which appears to be 50 percent more contagious than the Alpha variant, which is believed to be at least 50 percent more contagious than the original coronavirus. Younger, unvaccinated residents now account for the majority of new cases in the county. Dr. Mase told the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that residents ages 20 to 29 accounted for 18 percent of cases in the past 60 days and 72 percent of cases were in residents ages 49 and younger.
Since June 1, 83 percent of COVID patients in the hospital have been unvaccinated and 100 percent of COVID patients in the ICU have been unvaccinated. Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 remain rare. In Sonoma County, 478 breakthrough cases have been reported in the past 60 days, which is less than 1 percent of the county’s fully vaccinated population, and just 23 of those cases resulted in hospitalization. All of those 23 patients had pre-existing medical conditions.
This is our shot! Find a vaccine clinic today
As of this week, 70 percent of the County’s 12 and older population is now fully vaccinated, while 78 percent have received at least one dose. Vaccine appointments are plentiful, and anyone 12 years or older who wants one can get an appointment at one of the many clinics, pharmacies or health centers in the County — often the same day. Many are also accepting walk-in patients. Just go to MyTurn.ca.gov to find an appointment that works for you and find a list of local clinics on the Sonoma Valley Health Partner Website.
Upcoming Vaccine Clinics in Sonoma Valley:
- Saturday, July 31st, 12 – 3 pm at La Luz Center, 17560 Greger St., Sonoma CA 95476. Walk-ins welcome. For questions call (707) 939-6070
- Wednesday, August 4th, 3:30 – 6:30 pm at Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, 19270 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma CA 95476. Walk-ins welcome. For questions call (707) 939-6070
- Thursday, August 5th, 4-7 pm at La Luz Center, 17560 Greger St., Sonoma CA 95476. Walk-ins welcome. For questions call (707) 939-6070
- Saturday, August 7th, 12-3 pm Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, 19270 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma CA 95476. Walk-ins welcome. For questions call (707) 939-6070
- Wednesday, August 11th at the Springs Community Hall, 18627 Sonoma Highway in Boyes Hot Springs (Sonoma). No appointment necessary, No insurance required, No-Cost, More information contact Sonoma Valley Hospital’s Department of Community Outreach at (707) 935 5257
Testing Opportunities in Sonoma County
The demand for pop-up COVID-19 testing over the past two weeks has doubled in Sonoma County. Due to the small size of the Department of Health Services Field team, increasing case rates, and the need to broaden testing, County Health Services is partnering with three trusted testing providers, LHI, Curative, and Molecular Matrix, to provide expanded testing services for residents.
Find testing locations and make an appointment on the County’s testing page or call the hotline at 707-565-4667. The hotline is available to help residents sort through their many testing options in Spanish and English.
CDC, CDPH Issue New Masking Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control said on Tuesday, July 27, that people vaccinated against the coronavirus should resume wearing masks in public indoor spaces in parts of the country where virus transmission is considered “high” or “substantial,” which includes Sonoma County.
The agency’s move follows rising case counts, as well as growing reports of breakthrough infections of the Delta variant among those who are fully immunized. New scientific evidence indicates that even vaccinated people may become infected and may carry the virus in great amounts, perhaps even similar to those in unvaccinated people, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC director, said at a news briefing. Data from several states and other countries show that the variant behaves differently from previous versions of the coronavirus.
In response to the new CDC guidance, the California Department of Public Health also updated its Guidance for Face Coverings, recommending mask use for indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.