Jackson County has begun to see a surge in new COVID-19 cases. For week 52 (December 26, 2021 –January 1, 2022), Jackson County Public Health reports 867 new cases; this is a 115% increase from week 51. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the total of COVID-19 cases is now 27,211.
We Have the Tools to Fight Omicron
Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. Vaccines are highly effective at reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
It is recommended that everyone 5 years and older be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A COVID-19 booster dose is recommended for adults ages 18 and older. Teens 16–17 years of age, who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, can get a booster dose at least 6 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of mRNA is approximately 35% against the Omicron variant. A COVID-19 booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%.1
It is important to add layers of protection on top of getting vaccinated. Not every tool we have to fight the pandemic is perfect; adding layers will provide additional protection and help slow the spread. This includes wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, getting tested, if you are sick or have symptoms do not host or attend gatherings, and washing your hands frequently. It is also best to delay travel until you are able to be fully vaccinated.
If you are traveling for the holidays, be sure to check the requirements for travel, as they can quickly change to adapt to the pandemic. Check the CDC Travel website for more information.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Where to get tested in Jackson County
Call 211 for information for vaccine locations, visit the Oregon Health Authority Testing Finder site or visit the Jackson County Health and Human Services Testing Information page.
New Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
The Oregon Health Authority has adopted the new isolation and quarantine guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In announcing the change to a 5-day isolation period, the CDC has cited that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of the illness, generally in 1 to 2 days prior to the onset of symptoms and 2 to 3 days after the onset of symptoms. Various studies pre-dating the emergence of the Omicron variant indicated an infectious period ranging from 3 to 9 days after symptom onset.
It is important to know that just because the new isolation and quarantine guidance has been shortened, you can still be contagious past day 5 and can still spread the virus to other people. Please continue to wear a well-fitted mask to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to others and not be around other people who are immune-compromised until you have fully recovered. If you test positive, it will be essential to notify everyone that you were in close contact with so that they can take action to quarantine.
If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)
- Regardless of your vaccination status, you will need to stay home for 5 days after the onset of symptoms and until 24 hours after the fever is gone, without the use of medication, and symptoms are improving. Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you have no symptoms, you will need to stay home for 5 days after the collection date of the test and continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If an asymptomatic person develops symptoms before the end of their initial isolation period, the 5 day isolation period should restart.
- If you continue to have a fever, stay home until your fever resolves.
If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)
- If you have received your booster dose or completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last two months:
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days
- Get a COVID-19 test on day 5
- If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.
- If you completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and it has been over 6 months ago and did not get the booster doss, or completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and did not get the booster dose, or are unvaccinated:
- Stay home for 5 days from the last exposure and continue to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days.
- If you cannot quarantine, you must wear a mask around others for 10 days following your last exposure.
- Get a COVID-19 test on day 5.
- If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.
For more information:
References
1. CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population Media Statement. CDC.gov. Released December 27, 2021. Accessed December 20, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantineguidance.html.