The following is a summary of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. Also Willie Bence, Director of Emergency Management, gave a report. The summary below was provided by and used with the permission of Jefferson County Government.
COVID-19 case rates are rising in Jefferson since the masking mandate was lifted, reported County Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. With a two-week case rate of 65/100,000 and 2% positivity, the numbers are projected to go up. So far, no cases of the B2 variant have been reported and it is not projected to be the dominate strain here.
During her report to the Commissioners, Dr. Berry announced that Jefferson County has the highest number of boosted residents in the state, overtaking San Juan County. Dr. Berry said there is no data yet available as to whether the general population will need a 4th dose of vaccine. She said that those over 65 may be eligible if approval is given. Any high-risk individual with underlying immunity issues or severe disease is eligible for a second booster at this time. Dr. Berry strongly recommends that they receive all 4 shots.
Director of Emergency Management Willie Bence said the mass vaccination clinics that were so successful have wrapped up and local pharmacies are now able to meet the demand. He said there are no plans for 4th dose clinics at this time.The Department’s focus is partnering with public health to reach out to those homebound individuals who have limited mobility and offer booster shots. Call the hotline at 360-344-9791 and leave a message.
Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Allison Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.