Since July 1, 2021, the Salem Board of Health has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has notified us of 34 new cases in only 26 days. Of these cases about half 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, the Board of Health views this as a troubling trend as infection rates increase, especially with the rise of the Delta Variant comprising 83% of new infections in the United States.
As of today, Salem has 60% of eligible residents fully vaccinated, below the state average. The Board of Health is 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. Being fully vaccinated helps protect the community in two ways. First, should a fully vaccinated person be diagnosed with COVID-19 they have a better chance of experiencing mild symptoms with much lower risk of severe illness or death. Second, should you contract COVID after being fully vaccinated the strong belief in the scientific community is that you will have a lower viral load, decreasing the chance of you infecting others in the community.
We are asking for your help to get this rise in cases under control and increase our vaccination rates. Getting vaccinated will help protect our entire community from this pandemic.
