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COVID-19 Press Bulletin for July 8, 2021
Carson City, NV -- Today, Candice McDaniel, Deputy Director of Programs for the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Ellie Graeden of Talus Analytics provided updates on Nevada’s ongoing COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts during a call with members of the media.
This bulletin provides facts, figures, and informational items from the call. As a reminder, data is provided in a dashboard on the home page of the Nevada Health Response website.
SUMMARY:
This bulletin provides facts, figures, and informational items from the call. As a reminder, data is provided in a dashboard on the home page of the Nevada Health Response website.
SUMMARY:
- As of today’s report, the 14-day positivity rate statewide is 8.2% and the 14-day average daily cases is 369.
- Of all new cases identified in Nevada since June 1, 45% were among White non-Hispanic residents, 28% Hispanic, and 14% Black non-Hispanic.
- The Delta variant currently accounts for 59% of all new sequenced cases
- Cases are currently higher in Clark County likely due to a mix of increased travel, higher population density, variant spread, the heat forcing people indoors and lower vaccination rates.
- Of all new cases identified in Nevada since June 1, 45% were among White non-Hispanic residents, 28% Hispanic, and 14% Black non-Hispanic.
- Nevada's key metrics have now exceeded thresholds set by the county tracker and are an indication of elevated disease transmission. These increased metrics are being driven by Clark County.
- Nevada's key metrics have now exceeded thresholds set by the county tracker and are an indication of elevated disease transmission. These increased metrics are being driven by Clark County.
- The State has also been experiencing a significant increase in COVID hospitalizations.
- According to the Nevada Hospital Association, this wave appears to be contained in the southern part of the state:
- According to the Nevada Hospital Association, this wave appears to be contained in the southern part of the state:
- The heightened hospitalizations in Clark are the key cause for concern, although they have not yet been accompanied by rising deaths.
- Fortunately, treatments have improved over the course of the pandemic and Clark is an area where Nevada has the most medical resources.
- It must be noted that the majority of the hospitalized patients are reportedly unvaccinated people and we can address our increasing hospitalization rates by getting vaccinated.
- The heightened hospitalizations in Clark are the key cause for concern, although they have not yet been accompanied by rising deaths.
- As of yesterday, 2,554,760 COVID-19 vaccine doses (By Resident County) were administered and reported to Nevada WebIZ.
- 53.8% of the population 12 and older has initiated vaccination and 45.6% of the population 12 and older has completed vaccination.
- 53.8% of the population 12 and older has initiated vaccination and 45.6% of the population 12 and older has completed vaccination.
- Washoe County and Carson City are leading the state in vaccinations.
- Washoe County is leading the State in percentage of total vaccinations initiated among eligible populations 12 and older at 61%
- Washoe County and Carson City are leading the State in percentage of total vaccinations completed among eligible populations at 56%
- The 14 rural counties have 40% of eligible individuals who have initiated vaccination and 37% who have completed vaccination.
- Clark County has 53% of eligible individuals who have initiated vaccination and 44% who have completed vaccination.
- At this time, cases and hospitalizations are lowest in counties with the highest vaccination rates, a sign that vaccinations are working to prevent spread and severe illness.
- Carson City and Washoe County, who are leading the State’s vaccination rates, have a much lower test positivity rate than other urban/metropolitan areas of the state.
- Carson City and Washoe have also had no increase in hospitalizations.
- Rural counties with high test positivity rates and lower vaccination rates among older adults are at highest risk for increased hospitalizations.
- For example, Lyon, where only 58% of adults over 65 have initiated vaccination.
- Cases may be higher in rural counties than is currently being detected due to low COVID testing rates.
- Test positivity is higher in some rural counties compared to the state average, suggesting that COVID may be spreading rapidly in these areas and could drive a future increase in hospitalizations.
- It may also indicate a low number of tests taken overall. Test positivity is up to 17% in Elko County, 20% in Storey County, and 10% in Lyon County.
- Despite the rise in Clark County hospitalizations, there has been no spike in deaths.
- While only 54% of people in Clark County (12+) have initiated vaccination, about 80% of people over 65 have initiated vaccination.
- Nationally, 99% of COVID-19 deaths in June were from non-vaccinated individuals.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified Delta as a variant of concern based on its increased transmissibility caused by mutations on the spike proteins which bind to human cells.
- The best way to protect against COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, is to get vaccinated. If you are getting vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, it’s critical to complete both doses.
- The second dose offers nearly double the protection against Delta.
- One dose of Pfizer has 34% efficacy against Delta, but getting both doses provides 84% protection.
- Moderna likely performs similarly to Pfizer against Delta, and the company announced the vaccine neutralized variants in clinical trials.
- The second dose boosts immunity because it induces a 10-times greater level of virus-neutralizing antibodies than the first. This ensures longer immunity and better protection against variants.
- All three vaccines available in the U.S., Moderna, Pfizer and Janssen/J&J, show significant protection against the variant strains. While the exact percentage of effectiveness is still being studied, some early data suggest that the vaccines are over 95% effective to prevent hospitalization and death with two doses.
- Delaying the second dose may give more time for variants with immune-resistant mutations to evolve.
- Similar to antibiotics, completing the full course of vaccination lowers the chance that the virus builds up resistance to the vaccine in the future, making everyone’s protection less effective.
- Although it is recommended to receive the second dose 3-4 weeks after your first, the second dose helps whenever you get it. No matter how much time has passed, doctors still advise that you try to get your second dose.
- For those who are unvaccinated or in between doses, guidance has not changed with the emergence of Delta. While unvaccinated, you should practice mitigation measures including social distancing and wearing a mask in public.
- The State also provided an update on current efforts to increase vaccinations. Since requesting assistance from FEMA, the Nevada Division of Emergency Management has been working closely with them and they are scheduled to have their first boots-on-the-ground in Southern Nevada next week, with more to follow.
- Close to 60 pop-up sites have been scheduled throughout Clark County for July through mid-August. This is due to the incredible work of Immunize Nevada, state agencies, community partners, Southern Nevada Health District and Clark County. The goal of these sites is to bring vaccines to local communities and break down barriers to access.
- Additionally, we are currently working with SNHD and Clark County to stand up more long-term sites with better hours and weekend availability.
- This effort includes working with our state agencies who have identified state buildings throughout the Valley that have the potential to serve as vaccination and testing sites on a regular basis.
- Nevadans are encouraged to check out NVCOVIDFighter.org or call 1-800-401-0946 for the latest information on vaccination sites in communities statewide. Information on Vax Nevada Days can be found at VaxNevadaDays.org.