Local health officials released information Thursday on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
They say the Delta variant is the dominant strain of COVID-19 and it spreads easily among unvaccinated residents. It puts individuals at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and possible death. Vaccinated individuals are also getting sick and can spread the infection.
CDC and local health officials are strongly recommending that masks be worn by all individuals while indoors. If residents have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, a test should be done 3-5 days after exposure. A mask should be worn in public indoor settings for 14 days or until a negative test result returns. PCR tests are recommended for residents who are fully vaccinated, close contacts.
Masks are recommended for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. In the school setting, close contacts should quarantine unless they are fully vaccinated or have tested positive in the last three months and do not have any symptoms. All fully vaccinated individuals who remain asymptomatic do not need to quarantine but should monitor symptoms for 14 days following exposure.
In the general public, an unvaccinated individual should quarantine if exposed to someone with COVID-19. Close contacts should quarantine unless they are fully vaccinated, or have tested positive in the last three months, and do not have any symptoms.
The Marshall County Health Department will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic each Monday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET. Appointments may be scheduled, but walk-ins are also welcome. For a more detailed schedule of available vaccination clinics in the local area, visit www.ourshot.in.gov.
