Everett and Snohomish County are going the wrong direction in COVID-19 case counts.
Snohomish Health District is asking people in Everett and Snohomish County not to gather and to keep wearing masks. Here’s the full message sent out this morning.
For the third week in a row, Snohomish County’s case rate has continued its climb in the wrong direction. The rolling two-week case rate now sits at 121 per 100,000 for the period ending April 6.
A review of recent cases and outbreaks finds that gatherings continue to be the leading contributor. These have included baby showers, camping trips, high school sports, and get togethers for church, in peoples’ homes, and at restaurants and bars.
“I know people are wondering how cases are rising while vaccination rates are also rising. But as we’ve been sharing for weeks, we are very clearly not out of the woods yet,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District. “These recent cases are largely in settings where people let their guard down around friends, family and coworkers.”
With 38% of the population having initiated vaccination and 23% completed, Snohomish County simply hasn’t reached a sufficient proportion of the population to interrupt the transmission of this very difficult to contain virus. A real slowing of COVID cases may not be seen until 80% or more of the population is fully vaccinated.
“We still have several months where we are relying on everyone to remain vigilant in wearing their masks,” added Dr. Spitters. “There will soon come a day when this is all behind us. When we can enjoy hugs and parties and other favorite past-times. But today is not that day. Nor will it be tomorrow.”
Until then, a plea with people to think twice about non-essential gatherings, and to keep those masks on and that 6’ distance from people they don’t live with. It’s also important to have windows or doors open to increase ventilation. It’s not forever. Just for now.
Please hold on longer so Snohomish County can get to the other side.
April 9, 2021
Everett