YOLO COUNTY, Calif. — A Yolo County health official on Wednesday urged residents to mask up as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 Delta variant.
This recommendation comes as the Delta variant made up 76% of positive samples collected on the UC Davis campus and through Healthy Yolo Together testing between June 27 and July 7. The highly infectious variant continues to make its way throughout the country, as well.
“Our case rate has tripled, our testing positivity rate has increased five-fold,” said Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County Health Officer.
It’s not just the surge, but also, the strain of the variant that has officials sounding alarms. In a news release, Dr. Sisson said vaccines remain the absolute best form of protection against COVID-19 and encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to protect themselves against the variant.
However, there could be more to do.
“Vaccination alone may not be enough to protect you from infection,” Dr. Sisson said.
Yolo County suggests you should mask up if you're:
- A fully-vaccinated resident 65 years and older.
- A resident who is immunocompromised.
- In a businesses where vaccination verification is not required and the vaccination status of others is unknown.
“In making yesterday’s new recommendations for fully vaccinated persons to resume masking indoors and to get tested after an exposure, I am erring on the side of caution to slow the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant. Vaccines remain the absolute best form of protection against COVID-19, and I implore everyone who is eligible to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.” Dr. Sisson said in a press release.
While a majority of Californian’s have ditched masking, Sierra Duggan continues to wear hers. She’s fully vaccinated, but said it makes her feel safer.
“I still do try and wear my mask,” Duggan said.
West Sacramento’s Enrique Juarez continues to wear his mask in public as well because he doesn't know who is vaccinated.
Businesses across the state are not required to ask customers for proof of vaccination. Juarez said he’s seen how serious this virus is and doesn’t want to take any chances.
“You just can’t turn your back on this, especially when family members have passed away,” he said.
Masking Guidance for Individuals:
Fully vaccinated people can resume everyday activities without wearing a mask, except in limited settings required by state rules. There are some situations identified by the CDC where face coverings are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, including:
- On public transit (airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation).
- Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings.
- Healthcare settings (including long-term care facilities).
- State and local correctional facilities and detention centers.
- Homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers.
Unvaccinated people must continue to wear masks in indoor public settings, including businesses.
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