Covid Cases Are On An Upswing Due To The Powerful Delta Variant Virus

It looks like more people are starting to get vaccinated. About 200,000 additional people have gotten at least one shot since the first week in July. Officials are reporting the Delta Virus variant is easier to get. 

We here in the Bay State have seen 6,373 breakthrough cases, as of July 24, according to data released by the Department of Public Health on Thursday. Of that number, 361 people were hospitalized and 91 individuals with breakthrough cases have died. 

If you do end up getting sick despite vaccination, experts say the shots help reduce the severity of the illness. Health officials are saying the Delta Variant is as easy to catch as chickenpox.

In Berkshire County as of July 29th.

In Berkshire County, 65,070 people, 52.1%, have received at least one dose and 57,561 (46.1%) are fully vaccinated. Anybody who is at least 12 years old is eligible to be vaccinated. Fewer than 0.001% of people who have received a dose experienced a severe adverse reaction.

U.S. health officials are expected to release new data about the spread of COVID-19 today that led to their decision to recommend that vaccinated people wear masks in some situations, a reversal of previous guidance. The report, to be released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, comes from a recent investigation of a coronavirus outbreak in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Berkshire County has reported having 25 staffed adult ICU beds. Overall, 10 out of 25 or 41% are filled. This suggests there is likely enough capacity to absorb a wave of new COVID infections.

Get our free mobile app