For the first time in more than a year, we were feeling some hope, or at least cautious optimism, that the pandemic could be over, and we were moving to our new normal. However, I have been following the news that a new mutation of the COVID-19 virus, called Delta, could bring it back, and it might be even stronger. According to reports in Newsday, there has been an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks, which is unsettling at best. The fast-spreading Delta variant is of concern, and, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared, this has quickly become a pandemic of the unvaccinated.
Although it has been disturbing to learn of breakthrough infections, the data shows that the vaccine is highly effective against getting COVID-19, and, most importantly, it is nearly always effective against severe illness and death. Virtually 99% of the recent hospitalizations and deaths of COVID-19 are among those who were not yet fully vaccinated. Getting vaccinated helps protect you, and your family members, especially if they are unable to get vaccinated, like children under 12-years old. Please, also remember to exercise caution if you are unvaccinated, or suffer from immune-related health conditions, by wearing a mask when at indoor venues, or in large, outdoor crowds. As well, let us all continue to exercise basic public health measures, such as hand washing, social distancing, and following up with a physician if you feel any symptoms.
May God continue to bless us all, and may we continue to work together to keep our community “Lindy Strong!” As always, I am proud to serve as your Mayor.