(Graphics by Rich Shapiro)

From the CDC:

“Some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may still get sick because no vaccine is 100% effective. Last week, CDC released data on the number of ‘breakthrough’ infections of people who, despite being vaccinated, still tested positive for COVID-19 more than 14 days after getting their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, as of last week, there were fewer than 6,000 ‘breakthrough’ infections reported, which represents less than 1% of people who have been fully vaccinated. Of these, approximately 30% had no symptoms at all. Two recent CDC reports show that COVID-19 vaccines help protect people who are vaccinated from getting COVID-19 and may reduce severity of illness among people who get vaccinated but still get COVID-19.

“Getting a vaccine will help protect you, help protect others, and help end the pandemic. More vaccinations equals fewer infections and fewer variants. Previously, certain groups were prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. Now, all people in the United States age 16 and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are free and increasingly available. To find a vaccination provider near you, visit Vaccine Finder (https://vaccinefinder.org/search) or your state or local public health department website.”

In New York state, 8.66 million first doses and 6 million completed series have been administered since mid-December. In the North Country, 50.6% of the population has received at least one dose of vaccine, statewide 44.5%, in the U.S. 41.4%. The state was allocated 1.5 million doses in the last week.

Do we still need to wear masks? Dr. Linsey Marr (professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech and one of the world’s leading experts on viral transmission) uses a simple two-out-of-three rule for deciding when to wear a mask in public spaces or when she doesn’t know everyone’s vaccination status. In these situations, she makes sure she is meeting two out of three conditions: outdoors, distanced and masked.

“If you’re outdoors, you either need to be distanced or masked,” she said. “If you are not outdoors, you need to be distanced and masked.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/22/well/live/covid-masks-outdoors.html)

Statewide, the death rate is decreasing slightly; nationally, the rate of daily deaths is holding relatively steady. The state seven-day positivity rate is the lowest it has been since Nov. 10.

We are still living in a low COVID bubble in the North Country.

Per New York state, we have had 261 COVID deaths in the North Country, up five in the past week. Our region’s seven-day positives average is 1.44%. Lewis County still has major outbreaks, with community spread the major issue, giving Lewis County a 4% seven-day positive rate. So stay vigilant: Wear your masks, socially distance from others, wash your hands frequently, and get vaccinated.

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

When going about your daily business, you will likely encounter someone who is positive but unaware. This includes people who have been vaccinated, so stay cautious and wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands frequently.

Stay healthy.

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