Weekly Covid-19 Status Report - January 6, 2022

Good afternoon Colchester citizens,

Attached below is the weekly COVID-19 Status Report from Chatham Health (Reporting period covers 12/19-1/1).

Overall, the District had 873 cases during this reporting period – an increase of 293 cases (or 51%) compared to the last reporting period​ – representing the largest single week increase and the highest case load we have seen during the pandemic.

Hospitalizations and fatalities have continued to increase across the state, with 1,784 patients currently hospitalized, and 121 fatalities in the last week. Hospitalizations have now exceeded the numbers seen at the same time last year. Fatalities, though high, are 3-times lower than the same period last year despite many more cases overall this year. DPH data show that approximately 71.5% of Chatham Health District residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Though the Omicron variant has shown an ability to infect people who are fully vaccinated, vaccination continues to provide significant protection from severe disease.

Compared to being vaccinated, being unvaccinated currently has the following relative risk:

• 17 Times higher risk of dying from COVID-19

• 11 Times higher risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19

In order to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated if you have not already done so.
• Get a booster shot if you are eligible.
• Getting tested for COVID-19 especially if you are sick, or as close as possible before gathering in large groups even if you feel well.
• At-home tests are a convenient way to accomplish this if available.
• At-home tests can be purchased online or at many local pharmacies, though supplies are often limited.
• STAY HOME if you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days, and DO NOT leave home until at least 5 days have passed since your symptoms began or since you tested positive, you are feeling much better, and no longer have a fever.*
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor public settings**

New treatments have become available for COVID-19 recently, including more convenient and highly effective medications that can be taken at home. Though many newer medications are in very short supply, if you become sick with COVID-19, contact your doctor to discuss treatment options. If you are at high risk for severe disease, even if you are vaccinated, do not delay seeking treatment. Being vaccinated, combined with early treatment is an important predictor of better outcomes, especially for high risk individuals.

Chatham Health District is coordinating testing and vaccine clinics, though demand for testing services is leading to long lines and frequent shortages. To see upcoming scheduled vaccine and testing clinics in the district, visit our website: https://www.chathamhealth.org/services-2, or call 2-1-1. Unfortunately, testing resources, locally and statewide, are unable to meet the demand. Many public testing clinics have long lines, and close early. Residents who are sick but are unable to get tested should assume they have COVID-19 and isolate for at least 5 days**.

* CDC issued updated quarantine and isolation guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolati...

** Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of face without gaps. Loose-fitting, cloth face coverings provide less protection than surgical masks, KN95, or N95 masks. Many municipalities will be distributing high quality KN95 or N95 masks to the public. Residents should check their town’s website for details.

Click here for the full report.