Provider Blog by Dr. Avi Silber, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer
In the past month, Orange County has continued to experience a significant increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta Variant. As of August 8, 2021, Orange County’s transmission rate was classified as HIGH by the CDC. In June, the county was labeled as MODERATE, and at the end of July we were at SUBSTANTIAL. Given the aggressive rise in cases of COVID-19, Orange County Department of Health is now recommending ALL PERSONS wear a mask when indoors in public.
Nationally and locally, the majority of severely ill, hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. Breakthrough cases in vaccinated people do happen, but they are much less common. The vaccine is doing what it is supposed to—preventing hospitalization, severe disease, and death.
Only 50% of Orange County residents are fully vaccinated, which leaves our community vulnerable. Our medical staff are also seeing more cases in younger, healthier people. Please continue to talk to your friends and families about the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you, your friends, or your family would like to speak with a provider to discuss their concerns or would like to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a Cornerstone Family Healthcare location, please call 845-563-8000.
A few more COVID-19 vaccine updates:
• CDC has recommended all pregnant women get vaccinated based on new data about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more.
• The CDC will likely approve a booster shot of Pfizer and Moderna shortly. The boosters will be for those who are immunocompromised. Specifically, they are targeting organ transplant patients. The final list will likely include other immunocompromised diagnoses and parameters. Cornerstone will keep you informed as this evolves.
Please don’t hesitate to talk to your medical provider with any questions, remember to wear your masks and stay well.
