Rock County has seen an uptick in COVID activity over the last week, according to public health officials, and masks may again be recommended for indoor spaces.
The number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases in Rock County meets the CDC’s definition of “High Community Transmission” level for COVID.
To meet this definition, the number of COVID cases must be more than 100 per 100,000 people within the last seven days.
Rock County has seen 12 new cases in the last seven days, and the 14-day case rate is 14 as of Aug. 3.
Because Rock County meets the “High Community Transmission” definition, the CDC recommends that people wear face coverings when they are in an indoor setting, Kloss said.
“However, the main message I would have for people is: It is never too late to get the COVID vaccine,” he said.
“The COVID vaccine is very effective at protecting you from getting COVID and is extremely effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization if you are exposed to COVID after being vaccinated.”
There have not been local announcements of mask mandates; however, local leaders and health professionals are monitoring the situation.
Rock County is among six Minnesota counties currently in the high-risk category. There are about 40 Minnesota counties in the substantial risk category (50-99 cases per 100,000 people).
“With the Delta strain circulating as it is, the number of counties in the high risk category will likely increase,” Kloss said. “This is why increasing the number of people who are vaccinated is important.”