Metro Health Departments Issue Public Health Advisory
/In consultation with area hospitals’ Chief Medical Officers, the region’s public health departments are issuing a Public Health Advisory in response to rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the Kansas City metro related to the emergence of the delta variant.
At this time, unvaccinated residents of all ages who have resumed normal activities without adequate protection are most at risk, particularly immune-compromised individuals.
The COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death.
The region’s public health departments strongly recommend that residents take the following precautions to protect themselves and others in their community:
Get fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Anyone 12 and older should seek vaccination immediately
Help protect children younger than 12 by ensuring the adults around them are vaccinated
Individuals who have initiated 2-dose vaccination should get their second dose to ensure maximum protection against all COVID-19 strains, including delta
Talk with your friends and family about the importance of getting vaccinated
If you have specific concerns about whether you should get the vaccine, consult
your physician
Unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask while visiting indoor public places, in crowded outdoor settings, and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated
Be aware that people with underlying medical conditions may not be able to receive full protection from the vaccine and that children younger than 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. These populations are vulnerable to being exposed to COVID-19
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents should exercise caution
Additionally, continue practicing good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
Stay home if you’re sick
Seek testing if you develop or have any symptoms of COVID-19, including mild symptoms similar to a cold or allergies
Individuals with underlying medical conditions should get fully vaccinated as soon as possible and wear masks when around persons of unknown vaccination status
The following conditions are associated with increased risk of death from COVID-19:
Age above 65, organ transplant recipient, cancer, diabetes, obesity, chronic heart/lung/kidney/neurologic conditions, rheumatologic conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, use of immunosuppressive medications, AIDS, and other immunosuppressive conditions or neurological diseases
Having more than one of these conditions may significantly increase the risk of hospitalization or death. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
To find information about vaccination locations and updated guidance, please visit your local health department’s website. This announcement is only an advisory; no mandates have been issued by the Clay County Public Health Center.
KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story