BOWLING GREEN — The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Wood County. The Delta variant is driving an increase in transmission across the country, now accounting for more than 93% of cases in the U.S. We know that Delta is nearly twice as contagious as previous variants, so it is not a surprise to find that it is here in our community.

Wood County’s COVID-19 transmission remains at the Substantial level according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with 62.84 cases per 100,000 people in the past 7 days (82 total cases) and a test positivity rate of 6.84%. The CDC’s threshold for substantial transmission is 50 - 99 cases per 100,000 people in a 7-day period or a test positivity rate of 8% - 9.9%. Cases or positivity rates above these figures would mark high transmission.

The recent increase in cases and the confirmation that Delta is present in Wood County mean that is especially important to follow updated public health guidelines to keep our community safe. Vaccination remains the best tool we have to limit the spread of COVID-19. Adding a mask indoors will help to further protect those in our community who can’t get vaccinated, including children under 12 and those with weakened immune systems.

By applying all the tools we have—getting vaccinated, masking, distancing and limiting indoor gatherings—we can reduce the spread of COVID-19. Stay informed by checking our website, woodcountyhealth.org, for updated information and do your part to help protect our community.

BOWLING GREEN — As of today, Wood County’s COVID-19 community transmission is now at the Substantial level according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC’s threshold for substantial transmission is 50 or more cases per 100K people in a 7-day period or a test positivity rate of 8% or higher. Wood County has recorded 54 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days (71 total cases) and has a test positivity rate of 6.16%.

In its updated guidance, the CDC recommends that everyone, including fully vaccinated people, wear masks in indoor public settings in communities with substantial or high transmission. This includes employers, retailers, restaurants and bars, fitness and recreational centers, libraries, governmental entities, healthcare facilities and other public venues. Adding a mask indoors will help further protect those who can’t yet get the vaccine, including children under 12 and people with health conditions that limit the effectiveness of the vaccine.

These guidelines were established to limit the spread of COVID-19 in response to the Delta variant, which is driving an increase in cases across the U.S. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Even with the Delta variant, only a small proportion of fully vaccinated people get infected. When they do, most of these cases are mild.

By applying all the tools we have—getting vaccinated, masking, distancing and limiting indoor gatherings—we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Wood County. Stay informed by checking our website, woodcountyhealth.org, for updated information and please do your part to help protect our community.