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COVID is hitting home

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

Just imagine everyone in the seven-county North Country region dead from COVID, all 420,000. That is how many people in the U.S. have died from COVID in the last 10 months. And the rate of fatalities is not decreasing.

If the village of Saranac Lake had the national fatality rate, we would have seven people dead in the village. At the New York state rate, there would be 10 dead. 

It seems we have greater mask usage and better social distancing than many of the other communities in the North Country. That may be what has so far saved us from the high infection and fatality rates that others have experienced. 

If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, GET IT. To see if you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine, and if so to make an appointment, go to https://tinyurl.com/VAX-Eligible or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

In the meantime, stay vigilant: Wear your masks, socially distance from others, and wash your hands frequently. 

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

We have had 167 deaths in the North Country from COVID-19, up 22 in the past week. The good news is that in the last week, our North Country region has gone down from 7.38% positive to 6.54% positive for a seven-day average. This is still higher than the overall state level of 5.85% positive. The bad news is that the Franklin County positive rate is going up, now at 9%, exceeded by only Lewis County in our region. Our health is in our hands. Our businesses and people have been more careful, protecting us from COVID. Let’s continue protecting one another.

Get tested periodically, to help protect our community. Infected people without symptoms are the major spreaders. Early detection reduces the spread. For an appointment, call Adirondack Health at 518-897-2462.

Each of us can help keep ourselves and others safe: Diligently wear masks, and always practice proper social distancing. The North Country region averaged 110 people hospitalized and 15 in intensive care units due to COVID-19 during the past week, a slight improvement. Regionally, we only have 34% of our ICU beds available.

One of every 17 people tested this past week in Franklin and Essex counties was positive. One out of every 15 people tested in the region was positive. Whether walking downtown or shopping at the grocery store, you will likely encounter someone who is positive but does not yet know it. 

Wear your masks, socially distance from others, and wash your hands frequently.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

Stay healthy.

Rich Shapiro lives in Saranac Lake, where he serves as a village trustee.

(Table by Rich Shapiro)

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