HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.29.21 For Immediate Release_ Delta (B.1.617.2) COVID-19 Variant Identified in Butte County_Redacted
From:Kirk, Mia
To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Cook, Robin;Hironimus, Patrizia;
Kimmelshue, Tod;Lucero, Debra;Paulsen, Shaina;Pickett, Andy;Reaster, Kayla;Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;
Sweeney, Kathleen;Teeter, Doug;DOC, PublicHealth
Cc:York, Danette;Cox, Erin;Bernstein, Robert;Almaguer, Lisa
Subject:For Immediate Release: Delta (B.1.617.2) COVID-19 Variant Identified in Butte County
Date:Tuesday, June 29, 2021 2:25:03 PM
The following press release will be issued shortly...
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
June 29,2021
Delta (B.1.617.2) COVID-19 Variant Identified in Butte County
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – One case of the more contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has
been detected in Butte County.
Case investigation and contact tracing were completed prior to Butte County Public Health
receiving the report of the Delta variant. The patient was unvaccinated.
The Delta variant spreads from person to person much more easily than the original virus
and is anticipated to become the most common variant in the U.S. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that the Delta variant is now responsible for about
one in every five new infections across the country.
“The Delta variant is a more transmissible strain of the coronavirus and as it becomes more
prevalent in the United States and in California, it is expected to become more prevalent in
Butte County,” said Butte County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Bernstein. “We need to
continue the important safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is especially
important for unvaccinated individuals to wear a face covering while in any public indoor
setting, public transportation, and business. Vaccines remain the best way to protect
yourself against COVID-19 and the emerging variants”.
Although the effectiveness of vaccine may be slightly lower against the Delta and some
other variants, the COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States continue to provide
strong protection. Full protection against the virus occurs two weeks after receiving both
doses of an mRNA vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Public
Health urges residents who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon
as possible. If the second dose of a two-dose vaccine was missed, reschedule as soon as
possible, even if it is outside the recommended timeframe.
Those traveling this holiday weekend are urged to continue following all safety measures,
including testing and quarantine guidelines. Do not travel if you are sick, have a recent
positive COVID-19 test result, are in quarantine, or are waiting for the results of a COVID-
19 test after being exposed to the virus.
Now, more than ever, people should continue to follow guidance to prevent the spread of
COVID-19 and all variants, including:
Wearing a face covering in indoor public settings, public transportation, and
businesses if unvaccinated. Vaccinated persons may choose to wear a face covering
to offer additional protection.
Practicing good hand hygiene.
Getting tested for COVID-19 if you have been exposed, even if you are
asymptomatic.
Staying home if you feel sick.
Scheduling a vaccine appointment, if not already vaccinated.
Vaccinations remain widely available throughout Butte County. To view a full
list of vaccine sites in Butte County including retail pharmacies and community
vaccination clinics visit: www.ButteCounty.net/COVIDvaccine.
For more information about variants in California, please visit:
www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-Variants.aspx
###
Mia Rae Kirk, MPH
Community Relations Coordinator
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
202 Mira Loma Drive | Oroville, CA 95965
C:
mkirk@buttecounty.net
COVID-19 Call Center: 530.552.3050 open 8 am – 4:30 pm M-F
“Nationally Accredited, 09/13/17”
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