COVID sees increase but reflects summers past

“We haven’t seen any huge differences from last summer,” County Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana said. 

For the last month and a half, the county has seen an increase of COVID-19 cases as well “medium to high ranges” reported in its sewage, but minimal critical cases. 

“There hasn’t been a consistent trend over time that, correlated with this surge, that we’re seeing a lot more [emergency department] visits or hospitalizations,” Baldwin-Santana said. 

In terms of symptoms, Baldwin-Santana said they’ve remained consistent despite the surge attributed to newer variants — the variant KP.3 is the predominant variant identified lately across the state and county. An updated vaccine will be available later this year, she said, and will help address more variants. 

Amid possible higher rates of travel or large group gatherings during the summer months, Baldwin-Santana said it’s important to remember health practices to curb transmission rates. 

“It’s the basics,” Baldwin-Santan said. “Staying up to date on vaccines, staying home if you’re sick. Testing if you’re not feeling well and treating it. Consider wearing a mask.” 

While up to each individual’s discretion, Baldwin-Santana said “it’s worth considering” wearing a mask in large indoor gatherings, and absolutely recommended if displaying symptoms. 

“At this point, everyone’s deciding what their personal risk is, and potentially their risk to families and loved ones, and deciding whether or not it’s worth wearing for them,” Baldwin-Santana said. “It’s worth considering.”

Though it’s too early to make any determinations, Baldwin-Santana said trends over the past two to three years show a likelihood of a consistent summer surge. 

“I do think that it’s worth keeping in mind, for right now, that we’re going to continue seeing a summer and probably a winter surge,” Baldwin-Santana said. “Keep at it.” 

If an individual displays symptoms or tests positive, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying home and away from others for 24 hours, until symptoms relieve, and they are fever-free without medication. Then, the individual should take precautionary measures for the next five days.