Buffalo, NY (WBEN) With school starting in a little more than a week, Erie County's health commissioner says she is concerned about the uptick in COVID cases in the county.
"We're really not in a good place with COVID19," says Dr. Gale Burstein. "We're really worried because it's the summer and COVID is a seasonal virus and we should be seeing lower numbers right now just like last year. Also, school hasn't started yet and the weather isn't colder yet, and we're doing things outside, and the numbers are still high."
177 new COVID-19 cases confirmed for August 26 by ECDOH. 1,138 total cases over the past 7 days. 119 total new cases per 100,000 Erie County residents over the past 7 days. Total cases through August 26: 93,529. Case rate calculated with 2020 U.S. Census pop. est. /1 pic.twitter.com/SghZCXPt8F
— Erie County Department of Health 😷 (@ECDOH) August 27, 2021
Burstein told reporters if things aren't done now, numbers will become worse in the fall when school starts and even worse when the weather turns colder.
Burstein the delta variant is scary because "many times people don't lose their sense of taste or smell until later on in the course, so there are many people walking around with the delta variant right now, where they think they have allergies or a minor summer cold and they actually have COVID19." Burstein notes almost all cases of COVID are from the Delta variant.
Burstein says residents need to continue to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19 and reduce community-wide COVID-19 transmission.
Masks protect you and those around you: Wear a well-fitting face mask when indoors in public and in crowded outdoor settings.
Physical distancing: Put six feet of distance between yourself and people who don't live in your household. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from a COVID-19 infection.
Large events: Wear a mask and maintain six-feet physical distance, even if outdoors, or if attending a large event such as a concert, festival or sports game with a smaller group.
Ventilation: Being in crowds like in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters puts you at higher risk for COVID-19. Avoid indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors as much as possible. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible.
Diagnostic testing: Monitor closely for symptoms and seek a diagnostic test if symptoms develop. Loss of taste or smell is not as common a symptom with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
Travel: Consider a diagnostic COVID-19 test 3-5 days following return home, especially if you have spent time in an area with high COVID-19 transmission. Monitor closely for symptoms.
