ADPH: Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cause Concern in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus are once again on the uptick in the Yellowhammer State, and the latest data from the Alabama Department of Public Health has now placed 70% of counties within the state in its "Very High Risk" designation for spread of the disease.
"Very High Risk" counties are those that have reported an increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 over 14 days. 47 of the state's 67 counties have now been placed within this high risk area, and only 9 counties are among those designated as a "Low Risk."
Statewide, the ADPH has confirmed 4,881 cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days--93 of which are in Tuscaloosa County. As confirmed cases climb, low vaccination rates continue to concern public officials.
State Health Officer Doctor Scott Harris notes that of the state's recent 539 COVID-19 deaths, only 20 of were vaccinated.
“COVID-19 vaccines are our best defense in preventing serious disease as well as deaths, and this is especially important as the highly transmissible Delta variant spreads. While it is possible to get any strain of the virus, infected people are much less likely to experience complications or hospitalizations if fully vaccinated," said Harris.
DCH Health System recently announced plans to suspend operations at its remote vaccination site due to dwindling public interest.
The ADPH reports 73,609 Tuscaloosa County residents have been fully vaccinated against the novel Coronavirus. In a county with a total population of 209,355, this means only 35% of residents are fully vaccinated.