Montgomery County is experiencing high transmission of the more transmissible delta variant of COVID-19.
In a press release Tuesday afternoon, the Montgomery County Health Department strongly recommends vaccination as the primary and most effective strategy to prevent infection and transmission.
Masking also is recommended for all — vaccinated or unvaccinated — when congregating indoors. The MCHD also recommends events be held outdoors when possible, and efforts should be made to limit the size of indoor events during this period of high transmission.
Incidence of COVID-19 corrected for population in Montgomery County has increased from 54 weekly cases per 100,000 on July 1 to more than 290 weekly cases per 100,000 this week. Hospitalizations are increasing in Montgomery County, mirroring increases seen statewide. There have been 18 hospitalizations from Montgomery County in the last two weeks, seven of which required intensive care unit admissions. Increases in numbers in Indiana are expected to continue over the next six weeks based on data from surges in the southern states.
The delta variant is shown to be significantly more contagious with one COVID-19 case infecting seven to nine others compared to the original COVID-19 variant in which one case infected 2 others on average. Most infections occur in unvaccinated individuals. Infections are being seen in younger people at increasing rates. Thirty-five people younger than the age of 30 from Montgomery County have been hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic. There have been 16 children younger than the age of 4 and 51 children between the ages of 5-19 hospitalized in Indiana in the last four weeks.
Vaccination is effective at decreasing the risk of infection, hospitalization and death. Those unvaccinated are experiencing infection at a rate of 37 cases per 100,000 daily while the vaccinated are experiencing less than one case per 100,000 daily in Indiana.
Vaccinations are available at multiple locations in Montgomery County, including the health department at 308 W. Market St. Vaccinations at MCHD are 3-6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, except on holidays. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
Testing for COVID-19 is available at the health department from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to noon Friday.
