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‘No downturn in cases’

Hamilton County positive COVID-19 cases hold steady

While some parts of the country are reporting a downturn in positive COVID-19 cases. But Hamilton County health officials are not seeing that trend.

Shelby Kroona, administrator of Hamilton County Public Health, said the number of individuals testing positive has remained steady for the past few months. She presented an update Tuesday morning at the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“What we’re noticing in Hamilton County is that there is no downturn in cases,” Kroona said. “I know everyone has been hearing on TV that there are fewer and fewer cases, hospitalization rates are dropping across the country.

“But in Hamilton County, we’re staying very steady at about 45 positive cases every 7 days,” she said. That has been the average since the end of August.

“We’ve also seen an increase in the number of deaths related to COVID-19 in Hamilton County, whether it’s the primary diagnosis or an underlying cause,” she said. All of those deaths have been in unvaccinated individuals, Kroona added.

She reminded the board that the best way to stop the spread of the virus is vaccination, mask wearing, frequent handwashing and staying physically distanced.

Kroona also discussed the confusion over isolating when positive tests occur

“If one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, everyone in the household is considered exposed and they should be isolating,” she said, adding that individuals should stay home for 10 days. If they begin to show symptoms, Kroona advised getting tested to see if it is indeed COVID-19 or if it’s another condition.

“If it is COVID, the person’s isolation would begin on the day they first show symptoms,” she said.

Kroona also said that booster shots are now available for Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is being called a second dose, rather than a booster, she said.

“JOhnson & Johnson was marketed as being the one-dose wonder. But they’ve discovered that immunity wanes as time goes on. If you had the J&J vaccine, you should get a second dose two months after the first shot,” she said. The local health department has a small allotment of the J&J vaccine.

“So if you call our office and want a second dose, please identify the vaccine when you call to be sure they can record that for the nurses,” she said.

Moderna boosters are also available at the health department, as well as the hospital, local clinics and pharmacies. The booster is approved currently for those over 65, for adults with underlying health conditions and for those who work in a high risk situation, she explained.

Kroona said the emergency approval for the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 was expected to be announced soon.

“Once we hear about that, we’ll schedule a Pfizer vaccine clinic at our office. It will operate just like our regular immunization clinics. Parents will be required to attend with their child,” she said.

She said her department would also be working to help area clinics to receive allotments of the vaccine. The vaccine will be free of charge, but participants are asked to bring their insurance card.

Kroona said the COVID vaccine clinics are currently being held on Wednesdays at the health department office, 1610 Collins St. Appointments can be made by calling 515-832-9565.

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