Tuesday, August 10, 2021

the Delta effect

 Times are not ideal in the world as the Delta COVID19 variant fills in the gaps between formerly safe spaces. Even here in western Washington state: Cowlitz county shows a steep rise in mid-age and younger cases. The worst cases for over-65 came just after Christmas 2020, after which the vaccines were introduced. The most recent week of reports were the highest counts for under 35 and for 35-65 age groups (and the 65+ cases are rising too). Bad news all around, and time to continue keeping masks handy.

weekly case reports for Cowlitz county, March 2020-late July 2021

At last report Pfizer vaccines are still about 80% effective, Moderna closer to 90%. Considering that early vaccine estimates were hoped to approach 70% effectiveness, that's still a tidy margin. We'll see how long they protect as time goes on, and the virus sadly uses the unvaccinated as mutation factories in every corner of the USA and the world. 

The game isn't up yet, not by a distressingly large margin.


cnn community-transmission graphic


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