New outbreaks of COVID-19 in community settings (as opposed to nursing homes, etc.) continue to pop up throughout the region. Five new community outbreaks were confirmed July 7, bringing the seven-day total to 24, the highest number to date. To put this in perspective, the county’s trigger is seven outbreaks in seven days. In fact, our region has mostly exceeded that trigger since June 17.
About community outbreaks
Not surprisingly, we are getting questions from our residents about the locations of these outbreaks and whether it’s safe to go to the types of settings where outbreaks have been identified. Here’s a little more information about outbreaks:
•An outbreak in a community setting is defined as three or more COVID-19 cases in people of different households.
•The five new outbreaks represent 137 cases, but since the outbreaks are still active, the figure might increase (so, obviously, outbreaks can be much higher than just three cases traced to a single location).
• Other than skilled nursing facilities, the specific locations of community outbreaks are not made public, but the county does contact tracing to notify people known to have been exposed. The county also provides sample letters and other materials to help businesses and other outbreak locations notify those potentially affected.
In terms of whether or not it’s safe to patronize businesses where outbreaks have occurred, please keep in mind that COVID-19 is known to be spreading in our community. That means whenever you leave home you have the potential to be exposed. The best advice is to act as if everyone you come into contact with could be contagious. Stay away from crowds, wash your hands, wear a mask and take all the other precautions recommended.
