LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Health Department is asking every resident to do their part as we continue to see rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.  Just last week, we received 194 new positive reports.  We expected some sort of surge post-Thanksgiving, but this number is concerning.   As of 12/6/21 we had 9 residents hospitalized due to COVID-19.

We have tools to help reduce the risk of COVID and now is just not the time to be complacent.  If not following mitigation guidelines for yourselves, please consider our most vulnerable residents.

We saw the Delta variant rapidly become the dominant strain of COVID.  Now there is concern about the Omicron variant.  Every time the virus spreads, it has the opportunity to mutate.  The last thing any of us want is for a vaccine-resistant variant to begin circulating.

We have seen breakthrough cases, meaning cases in persons fully vaccinated, as the delta variant took hold.  Typically, but not always,  those who are vaccinated but become infected with COVID experience milder symptoms and avoid hospitalization.  We are also seeing more breakthrough cases as immunity from the first two doses wanes the longer it has been since your last dose.  Please, if you have not yet done so, get your booster shot.  If you have not been vaccinated at all, now is the time.

Other things we ask of our citizens are to wear masks when indoors; avoid large gatherings; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, practice thorough hand washing;  stay home when sick; and get tested if you develop Covid-like symptoms.  Symptoms vary widely across individuals. Some symptoms being seen with the Delta variant include: sore throat, cough, nasal congestion (can present similar to a cold), GI issues, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, headache, body/muscle aches, fever, chills, shortness of breath. 

Vaccines are available through the health department, your primary care provider, and our local pharmacies.  Testing is available through Walgreens, your primary care provider, Physician’s Immediate Care and government sponsored pop up sites near Walmart and across from Culvers.