FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2021
Contact: Black Hawk County Health Department
Phone: 319-291-2413
Email: publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
Black Hawk County Encourages Vaccination and Indoor Mask Use
On July 27, the CDC updated their mask guidance to recommend masking in public indoor settings for fully vaccinated people who live in areas of substantial or high transmission. Black Hawk County is currently experiencing high COVID-19 transmission. Here is the link to the full guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.
The CDC advises that fully vaccinated people can carry and spread the COVID-19 virus, specifically the highly contagious Delta variant, even when showing no symptoms. Unvaccinated people are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 when in public indoor environments. For the safety of our community, and to slow the spread of COVID-19, Black Hawk County Health Department is encouraging residents to mask when indoors for the protection of themselves and their community.
As the positivity rate in the county continues to rise, the Black Hawk County Health Department encourages residents to get vaccinated. “COVID-19 is not going anywhere without increased vaccination in our community,” noted Dr. Nafissa Cisse Egbuonye, director of Black Hawk County Health Department. “We need to take this seriously. No one wants to return to the isolation we experienced last year. We encourage residents to wear a mask when in public indoor settings, continue hand washing and social distancing, and please take advantage of vaccine opportunities in the community.”
As of Monday, July 26, 59.5% of Black Hawk County residents age 12+ have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. To increase vaccination efforts, Black Hawk County Health Department is offering a Free Youth Vaccine Event on Tuesday, August 10 from 3-7 pm at the Cedar Valley SportsPlex, 300 Jefferson Street, Waterloo. Vaccine will be available for anyone ages 12+. Those receiving a vaccine on August 10, will receive a free day pass to either the Cedar Valley SportsPlex or one of the Waterloo City Pools.
Throughout the pandemic local healthcare providers have worked collaboratively to slow the spread of COVID-19. To find local vaccine options, residents can go to the Black Hawk County Public Health website for a comprehensive list of local phone numbers and online scheduling links. The Vaccinate Iowa website is another resource for scheduling links and phone numbers.
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