Nurse Jeanie Backus talks about COVID-19 vaccinations at a long-term veterinary care facility on December 17, 2020 in Vancouver, Washington. (Photo by Nathan Howard / Getty Images)
Whatcom County, near the Canadian border, is the state’s current COVID-19 hotspot. The province sees a transmission rate higher than anywhere else in Washington.
Virologist: The distribution of COVID vaccine is greater than the supply
Erica Lautenbach, director of the Whatcom County Health Department, expects the COVID-19 cases to triple this month in December, which was the worst month ever in the country. Since December 30, the cases have risen rapidly in the country, and the week of seven days is twice as high as last week.
‘The rates we see are different from what we’ve experienced in the past, and unlike the boom we saw after the Thanksgiving holiday. And unlike anything we see elsewhere in the state, ”Lautenbach said.
While telling KIRO Radio that there are no super-distributor events or highly transmissible virus locations in the country, she said most of the cases that could be detected are related to unsafe socialization.
“For those we know, who have a source, 80% of our business comes from social events and household activities,” she said.
Lautenbach says the cases are increasing in all age groups and Whatcom County is in ‘unknown and dangerous area’. She asks everyone to cancel all non-essential activities and social plans.
The health department is concerned that the virus will spread even faster with employees returning to their workplaces after holidays. To limit further distribution, the department asked people to take extra and immediate precautions.
“The steps we need to take are now known, and if we all act immediately, we can stop this viral boom in its tracks,” Lautenbach said in a release.
These measures include wearing a mask with others who do not come from the same household, avoiding meetings, washing or disinfecting hands regularly, and staying home when you experience COVID-19 symptoms or after your time spent with others with symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms – such as fever, cough or shortness of breath – should be tested immediately and should stay home from work or school.
“We have said it before and we say it again, but this time much more urgently,” Lautenbach said in the release. ‘Perhaps, more than ever before, the actions you take today can save you and others’ lives. Cancel your plans this weekend. ”
KIRO Radio’s Diane Duthweiler contributed to this report.