July 13, 2021 COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated surge, making up 94% of all cases in Louisiana since May

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The Louisiana Department of Health warns that COVID-19 cases among people who are not yet fully vaccinated are surging, and all people in Louisiana, especially those who are not yet vaccinated, are at an elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 as the more contagious Delta variant continues to spread.
 
Louisiana is currently experiencing widespread increases in the spread of COVID-19. Since early May, 19,200 new COVID-19 cases have been reported among Louisiana residents, with 94% of these cases occurring among individuals who were not fully vaccinated. On July 13, LDH announced 9 additional COVID-19 deaths; all individuals were unvaccinated.
 
LDH reaffirms the following guidance for individuals in Louisiana:
 
“The data are very clear,” said Dr. Joseph Kanter, Louisiana’s State Health Officer. “COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated people in Louisiana are surging. COVID-19 hospitalizations, percent positivity and COVID-19 outbreaks are all on the rise. All people in Louisiana, especially those who are not yet vaccinated, should know they are now at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to the more transmissible Delta variant, and they should consider their personal risk and their family’s risk.”
 
COVID indicators continue to worsen:
 
Vaccination remains the single best way of protecting yourself, your family and your community against COVID-19. However, while the protection provided by each of the three currently available COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) is very good against COVID-19 and the variants currently spreading in Louisiana, the protection is not absolute. LDH is aware of a small number of “breakthrough cases,” or individuals who contracted COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.
 
COVID-19 is spread primarily by breathing, talking, coughing, laughing and singing. The virus is more likely to spread in indoor settings where it is difficult to distance. Masking and distancing will increase one’s safety.
 
COVID-19 vaccines remain free and widely available throughout Louisiana. They are highly effective at reducing (but not eliminating) your chance of contracting COVID-19, of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19, and of passing COVID-19 on to someone else. They are also exceedingly safe. LDH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 12 years of age and older. If you have specific questions or concerns it is always recommended to speak to your physician or primary care provider.
 
To find available vaccines near you, make a vaccine appointment, arrange vaccination for a homebound individual, or to have general questions answered please call the Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 855-453-0774.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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