NAVIGATING MASK-WEARING RECOMMENDATIONS:
MESA COUNTY EXPERIENCING HIGH TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week in order to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, the use of a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission is recommended.
Mesa County’s current illness levels are classified as high by the CDC. Mesa County was the first location in Colorado where the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant was detected. The Delta variant currently accounts for approximately 90% of cases statewide. It is more contagious and impacts residents of all ages, including younger individuals.
Should I wear a mask?
Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals wear a face-covering in public, and with the presence of the Delta variant in our community, continue to urge all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to take precautions in high-risk settings, such as indoors or when interacting with groups where vaccination status may be unknown.
A Health Alert issued on June 9 includes prevention measures for all Mesa County residents, regardless of vaccination status. These strategies used in a layered approach continue to be our recommendation. All Mesa County Residents are asked to please stay home and do not go to work, child care, public places, or gatherings if you have symptoms of any kind, even if you are vaccinated. If you have symptoms, even if they seem mild, please get a COVID-19 test.
Vaccination Stops the Spread and the Mutation of the Virus
As long COVID is spreading from person to person, it could continue to mutate. Following public health guidelines related to distancing, mask-wearing and vaccination are all in an effort to prevent additional virus spread that could lead to even more dangerous variants of the coronavirus down the road.
“We encourage all Mesa County residents to aid in ending COVID in our community. Getting vaccinated and wearing masks when indoors and close together, is always going to be encouraged as long as COVID is around,” Mesa County Public Health Executive Director, Jeff Kuhr said. Vaccination protects those in our community who cannot get the vaccine and also prevents individuals from missing work, being quarantined, and being unable to participate in the Western Colorado way of life we are working to return to.
Key Reminders about COVID-19 Vaccination
- All Mesa County residents age 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.
- The vaccine is widely available in our community at numerous pharmacies, mobile clinics, and the Community Vaccination Site at Mesa County Public Health.
- Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, scheduling an appointment is also an option.
Stay up to date by visiting health.mesacounty.us.