Bartholomew County has moved into the highest category of COVID-19 community transmission as a resurgence of the coronavirus fueled by the ultra-contagious delta variant sweeps across much of the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Thursday afternoon, the CDC listed Bartholomew County as having a seven-day transmission rate of 103.84 cases per 100,000 people, up from less than 2 cases per 100,000 people during June and much of July.
The updated figures from the CDC came as state health officials reported 29 cases of COVID-19 among Bartholomew County residents — the highest number since Feb. 18, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.
Eight of the 29 cases were children who are too young to qualify for COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, anyone age 12 and up in Indiana is eligible for vaccines.
Additionally, six Bartholomew County residents in their 20s, six in their 40s, four in their 50s, three ages 12 to 17, one in their 30s and one in their 70s were among the 29 cases, according to state records.
The CDC has recommended that anyone living in an area of the country where transmission is greater than 50 cases per 100,000 people wear masks indoors, regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
State health officials, as well as the local COVID-19 Community Task Force, are recommending that local residents follow the CDC’s guidance on masking.
Health officials say COVID-19 vaccines are still highly effective against the delta variant and other strains of the coronavirus circulating in the U.S. and are encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
For more information on vaccines, visit ourshot.in.gov or call 211.
