Jefferson County moves out of “BLUE” advisory for the first time in weeks goes to "YELLOW" advisory

Experiencing a resurgence of COVID 19 cases

(File Photo)

[Madison, IN] Indiana, as well as numerous states, is experiencing a resurgence of COVID 19 cases, and Jefferson County is also experiencing an increase in our positivity rate. As a result of this, we have moved out of the BLUE and will be moving back to a YELLOW advisory level on the Indiana Department of Health County metrics map when the state map updates tomorrow at noon. YELLOW advisory indicates we are experiencing moderate community spread. There are no group setting outbreaks in our county at this time. If you are sick, please seek testing right away and stay away from others until you know your results. You can receive free testing at the Jefferson County Community Testing Site located at King’s Daughters’ Hospital Convenient Care, 445 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN 47250 812 273- 5372, or you can schedule your COVID test by visiting www.coronavirus.in.gov Currently 48.2% of Jefferson County residents ages 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID vaccine and 49.9% of Jefferson County residents ages 12 and older have been fully vaccinated.

The CDC has announced that as of July 3rd, the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant now accounts for 57.6% of new COVID-19 infections in the US. During the same period 50% of Indiana samples were positive for Delta variant. Delta variant is now estimated to be 70% more infectious than the Alpha variant. Both Delta and Alpha variants have been reported in Jefferson County. 3.12% 19.45% 25.89% 36.57% 61.70% 89.17% 99.65% 86.58% 5-13 14-17 18-24 25-44 45-64 65-74 75-84 85+ percent of population Age Groups % of population vaccinated While the Delta variant is more infectious, preliminary data suggest that after two doses, the Pfizer vaccine is 88% effective against symptomatic disease and 96% effective against hospitalization from the Delta variant. While there has not been reported data on the vaccine efficacy of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines against the Delta variant, effectiveness for two doses of the Moderna vaccine and one dose of the Johnson & Johnson is expected to be similar to two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The Jefferson County Health Department urges all Jefferson County residents and visitors to get vaccinated against COVID-19. You can schedule your COVID vaccine by visiting www.ourshot.in.gov We are also accepting walk-ins in our office located at 715 Green Road, Madison, IN 47250 Monday thru Friday 9am-3pm. We have all three vaccines available, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson. Individual’s age 12 – 17 years of age must receive Pfizer vaccine and have an adult present. Jefferson County Health Department continues to recommend unvaccinated individuals to mask up while indoors and unable to maintain 6 feet social distancing. CDC guidance for those fully vaccinated: • You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. • You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Please continue to respect those businesses requiring masks. • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. o This means no more quarantining for fully vaccinated close contacts, you can continue to work, go to school, play sports, etc. • If you travel in the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel. • You need to pay close attention to the situation at your international destination before traveling outside the United States. o You do NOT need to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it. o You still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the United States. o You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel. o You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.