COVID-19 highlights for the week of 11/1/21:
What’s Happening?
- Although average daily case rates in the Metro have dipped to 270 from our all-time high of 1,227 in November 2020, communities within our region remain in high and substantial levels of transmission as defined by the CDC.
| Region | Low | Moderate | Substantial | High |
| # Metro Counties | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| # N/S Counties | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
- Average daily death rates are increasing, which may be due (at least in part) to a lag in reporting – up to 4; down from our all-time high of 18 in December 2020.
- 958,267 (46%) Metro residents have not completed their COVID-19 vaccinations. Of those, 327,870 (16%) are children under the age of 12.
- Hospitals continue to experience significant staff vacancies. Remaining staff are working well-beyond their normal hours and caring for more patients.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer-BioNTech’s application for emergency use authorization for use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5-11. Additional steps are necessary in the approval process, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting scheduled for this week.
What Can I Expect?
- Temptation to let up on masking which, as our history with COVID has shown, could lead to increased transmission and perhaps another surge.
- Stay tuned as facilities await further guidance from the CDC, before initiating vaccine programs for the 5-11 year old age group.
What Can I Do?
- Now is the time to keep up the great work (masking, vaccinations & boosters) as we protect ourselves and those around us from COVID-19 and influenza.
- Get your booster when eligible. See CDC for “Who is Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot” dated October 22, 2021.
- Now is the time to get vaccinated to be safe for the holidays. For example, an individual initiating vaccination on November 1st would be fully protected by:
- December 6th at the earliest (two weeks after second dose) for Pfizer
- December 13th at the earliest (two weeks after second dose) for Moderna
- November 15th at the earliest (two weeks after single dose) for J&J
- See CDC’s “Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays” on other ways to mitigate risk and stay safe.