Since the beginning of July, the Bedford Health Department has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified us of 23 new cases in July. Of these cases about a quarter were identified as breakthrough cases, individuals who are FULLY vaccinated and the rest were in unvaccinated cases. While this number of cases may not seem concerning, this represents a troubling trend as infection rates increase, especially with the rise of the Delta Variant comprising the majority of new infections in the United States.
As of today, [August 2, 2021], in accordance with state-provided statistics, Bedford has 65% of eligible residents fully vaccinated, which is slightly above the state average. The Health Department and the Board of Health are strongly encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and remind those that have received their first dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to receive their second dose as soon as they can. Visit https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/ for clinic locations. Being fully vaccinated helps protect you, your friends and family, and the community as a whole. Should a fully vaccinated person be diagnosed with COVID-19 they have a better chance of experiencing mild symptoms with a much lower risk of severe illness or death.
The best thing we can do to get this rise in cases under control is to increase our vaccination rates. Getting vaccinated helps to protect our entire community from this pandemic.
Additionally, last week the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their guidance regarding the use of face coverings and cloth masks by individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The updated guidance includes that even fully vaccinated persons wear masks or face coverings when indoors if other risk factors are present.
In light of the information provided by the CDC, and in order to maximize the protection of vulnerable individuals from the Delta variant, the Department of Public Health now advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
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