MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail, Public Health Director Lori Desmarais and the Marion Board of Health are sharing the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the COVID-19 Delta variant and the CDC’s updated COVID-19 safety recommendations and guidance.
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state are rising. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 Delta variant is far more easily transmissible than the initial COVID-19 infection. The Delta variant has most recently surged to become the predominant variant – from less than 1% in May to over 80% of all U.S. COVID-19 cases in July.
Above all, residents who have not already done so are urged to get vaccinated. Doing so greatly reduces the risk of significant illness from COVID-19, including the Delta variant. To find a location where you can be vaccinated, visit vaxfinder.mass.gov.
Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in the United States continue to be among unvaccinated individuals. The most significant levels of spread and most severe cases of illness and death associated with COVID-19 — including Delta variant cases — are occurring in places with low vaccination rates. Additionally, vaccinated individuals represent a very small portion of total Delta variant transmissions.
The CDC announced on Tuesday, July 27, that it is recommending that those in “areas of substantial and high transmission” should wear a mask in indoor public settings, even if they are fully vaccinated. According to the CDC, Massachusetts is currently an area of moderate transmission, but communities in Plymouth County are areas of substantial transmission. As such, residents in the Town of Marion are strongly urged to wear a mask while in indoor public settings.
The CDC and local officials encourage residents to get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. Vaccinations will prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death relating to COVID-19, while also reducing the spread of the virus through communities.
Additionally, the Marion Board of Health is recommending that residents favor outdoor activities over indoor activities as well as conduct meetings virtually, when possible.
To learn more about the Delta variant, click here.
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