Klickitat County Health Department encourages residents to protect themselves by getting vaccinated
Goldendale, WA, July 27, 2021 – The Klickitat County Health Department (KCHD) has received updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and Delta COVID-19 variant.
These are the top five things KCHD would like to share with the community:
- Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of the virus in communities.
- Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated.
- With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates
- The data shows that the Delta variant is different from past versions of the virus: it is much more contagious.
- Some vaccinated people can get Delta in a breakthrough infection and may be contagious.
- Even so, vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmission occurring around the country.
- Virtually all hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among the unvaccinated.
- In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent spread of Delta and protect others.
- CDC recommends that community leaders encourage vaccination and masking to prevent further outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission.
- CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
Remember that you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, wearing a face mask that covers your nose and mouth when you are in public, washing your hands, and staying home when you are sick. It is also highly recommended that the public avoid large gatherings and events even if they are hosted outside.
If you are currently experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your primary care provider about getting tested. COVID-19 symptoms can be different for everyone but generally include some of the following: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or pains, sore throat, sinus congestion, dry or productive cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, loss of smell or taste, and fatigue. Anyone with symptoms can be tested in Klickitat County by calling to make an appointment at Klickitat Valley Health, Skyline Health, or Northshore Medical Group.