From Cook County Public Health and Human Services - August 6, 2021

Given that the State of Minnesota is considered an area of substantial transmission of COVID-19, the high volume of travel within the state, and the increasing rate of hospitalization statewide, Cook County Public Health strongly recommends wearing a mask in public, indoor settings regardless of a person’s vaccination status.  Mask use is a simple way to further reduce the chance of the virus spreading in our community, particularly among those who are not fully vaccinated.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has become the most common version of the virus throughout the state of Minnesota.  This is concerning because the variant spreads twice as easily from person to person than past versions of the virus.  While vaccination remains our most powerful tool in preventing future outbreaks of COVID-19, strategies like wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and getting a COVID-19 test if you have any symptoms of the virus remain important ways that everyone in our community can do their part to prevent future local outbreaks of COVID-19. 

Wearing a mask is particularly important in certain situations including:

• Travel into a community with a substantial or high amount of COVID-19 transmission
• In healthcare, public transportation, and school settings
• If you are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
• If you live or frequently interact with someone who is immunocompromised or not fully vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines continue to work well, including with the Delta variant.  People who are fully vaccinated are much less likely to become infected with COVID-19.  If a fully vaccinated person does get infected, they are more likely to be only mildly ill and much less likely to experience hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.  However, if a fully vaccinated person does become ill with the Delta variant of COVID-19, they may be able to pass the virus to others around them.  

People who are not fully vaccinated remain particularly vulnerable to the Delta variant of COVID-19.  It is likely that we will see future outbreaks of COVID-19 concentrated among groups of people who are not yet vaccinated.  

“Now is a great time to get vaccinated for COVID-19,” stated Public Health Supervisor Grace Grinager, “Choosing to get vaccinated doesn’t just protect you against becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, it also protects those in our community who aren’t able to be vaccinated—including our under 12 population, which is not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.” 

On Wednesday, August 11 there will be a large vaccination event for anyone 12 and older at the Cook County Community Center from 3-6 p.m.  While online registration is encouraged via the hub site at https://cookcountycovid19.org, walk-ins will also be welcomed.