In the middle of December, Summit and Clear Creek counties case rates for COVID-19 weren’t where health leaders would have liked, but were at least trending downward, if ever so slightly. Not anymore.
“That is literally changing as we speak,” Timothy Ryan, Director of public health for Clear Creek County explained.
“Omicron is alive and well and the numbers are going through the roof, both in Summit and Eagle counties.”
Ryan says even if the variant of the virus has not been officially identified, the spiking case rates have the signature of the faster spreading virus.
Lauren Gilbert with the Summit County Health Department agrees; Omicron is the driving force behind their significant change in positive cases. Their data is showing a 165% increase in tests taken, and an increase from 4 positive cases on Friday of last week, to 112 cases this week.
Pairing that with a ballooning population because of holiday tourism, Gilbert said they are watching the numbers very closely.
“We are significantly impacted by visitors because our population can flux so much during the high season,” Gilbert said.
She expects to see things get better before they get worse. Right now she believes county data posted online is lagging behind what the actual case numbers are and is predicting that holiday gatherings from Thanksgiving are driving the numbers up right now.
She is concerned those numbers could go even higher with Christmas get-togethers days away.
Both Ryan and Gilbert said the best way to fight this increase in cases is the same way as always: get fully vaccinated including a booster shot, wear a mask, and socially distance.
Regis University Extends COVID Vaccine Requirement To Include Booster Shots
Regis University is extending its COVID-19 vaccine requirement to include booster shots. Faculty, staff and students are now required to show proof of their booster by Feb. 1, 2022.
They can show that proof by that date, or six months after receiving a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and two months after getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allow for individuals who originally received a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine to receive a booster of EITHER Pfizer or Moderna.
Regis released this statement, “While our campus vaccination rate is 94%, the Omicron variant is far more contagious than previous strains. Booster shots are vital to protect the community from infection, serious illness and hospitalization. We need everyone to do their part not only to protect their own health but the health of your colleagues, classmates, friends and neighbors. Vaccination is particularly vital to help relieve our healthcare professionals who are carrying the burden of consistent high hospitalization rates largely due to unvaccinated individuals contracting COVID-19.”
