03/28/2024
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By Cara Beth Lewis 

As of December 20, 2021, Omicron has been detected in most states and territories and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing, according to cdc.gov. At a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, Bladen County Health Director Dr. Teresa (Terri) Duncan shared that Bladen County has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases. Duncan said that Bladen County had a positive test rate of 16.3% for the fourth quarter, compared to a 7.6% positive test rate at the end of September.

The CDC reported that they are collaborating with other public health and industry partners to learn more about Omicron. Although much remains unknown and uncertain, the CDC has shared their knowledge of Omicron so far.

According to the CDC, it is unknown how Omicron spreads in comparison to Delta. However, it is likely it spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. In regards to severe illness caused by Omicron, it seems that the CDC is unsure. The CDC stated, “More data are needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.”

Vaccinations, masks, and testing are “tools to fight Omicron.” The CDC expects vaccines to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to the new variant. However, vaccinations do not provide full protection from the virus. Those who have been fully vaccinated are still prone to breakthrough infections. The CDC says, “The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.”

In Dr. Duncan’s COVID-19 update at the recent Commissioners meeting, she said, “We’re pushing the health care resources that we have. We continue to offer testing. We’re continuing vaccinations at the health department Monday through Friday.” According to Bladen County Health Department, Omicron is the primary variant seen in recent positive tests.

Vaccination is strongly suggested by the CDC and many health officials. Bladen County Health Department offers vaccinations and booster shots currently. As of yesterday, the health department offers Pfizer booster shots for ages 12-17 with parental consent.

For reference, there were 66 active cases in Bladen County on December 22nd. On December 31st, there were 161 active COVID cases. In the most recent update on January 5th, there were 306 active cases. Today, Dr. Terri Duncan stated, “As of Friday, January 7th, there are more than 400 active COVID cases in Bladen County.”

For more information, call Bladen County’s COVID-19 Hotline at (910)872-6291.

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