Nurse Jeanie Backus talks about COVID-19 vaccinations at a long-term care facility for Veterans on December 17, 2020, in Vancouver, Washington. (Photo by Nathan Howard / Getty Images)
Whatcom County, located on the Canadian border, is the current COVID-19 hotspot of the state. The county sees a higher transmission rate than elsewhere in Washington.
Virologist: The distribution of COVID vaccine is higher than the supply
Erica Lautenbach, director of Whatcom County’s health department, expects this month’s COVID-19 cases to be three times higher than December’s, which was the county’s worst month ever. Since December 30, the cases have increased rapidly in the county, and the average of seven days this week is twice as high as last week.
“The rates we see are different from anything we have ever experienced in the past and, unlike the increase we saw after the Thanksgiving holiday. And, unlike anything we see anywhere else in the state, “Lautenbach said.
While she told KIRO Radio that there are no known super-widespread events or locations of highly transmissible viruses in the county, she said most of the cases that could be tracked were related to unsafe socialization.
“For those we know, who have a source, 80% of our cases come from social events and household activities,” she said.
Lautenbach says the cases are rising in all age groups, and Whatcom County is in “unexplored and dangerous territory.” She asks everyone to cancel all non-essential activities and social plans.
The health department is worried that the virus will spread even faster, employees who will return to work after the holidays. To limit the spread, the department asked people to take additional and immediate precautions.
“The steps we need to take are familiar so far, and if we all act immediately, we can stop this viral growth,” Lautenbach said in a statement.
These measures include wearing a mask around others who are not from the same household, avoiding gatherings, washing or sanitizing hands frequently, and staying home when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or spending time around others with symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms – such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing – should be tested immediately and should stay home from work or school.
“We have said it before and we will say it again, but this time much more urgently,” Lautenbach said in a statement. “Now, perhaps more than ever, the actions you take today can save the lives and lives of others. Cancel your plans this weekend. ”
Diane Duthweiler of KIRO Radio contributed to this report.