Larimer County Alert: ‘COVID Delta Variant Present, Get Vaccinated’

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) has issued an alert regard the latest, highly contagious, COVID-19 variant.

The Delta variant, B.1.617.2 B.1.617.2, has been detected in Larimer County. LCDHE is advising, that since this variant is much more contagious than the Alpha variant, those who have not been vaccinated should do so without delay.

From Tom Gonzales, LCDHE Director:

The Delta variant demonstrates higher levels of immune evasion as well. Because the Delta variant is more effective at evading a person’s immune system, any protection from a prior COVID infection will be diminished.

“This means that having had COVID-19 in the past is unlikely to offer protection against this new variant. Getting vaccinated now can significantly improve protection for yourself and for our community

 

..“This highly contagious variant is particularly concerning for vulnerable unvaccinated groups, including those 11 years old and younger who can not yet get vaccinated. The more people who get vaccinated, the better we can protect those who are unable to be vaccinated and who have compromised immune systems. Very high levels of population immunity can contain person-to-person transmission

Experts stress that getting vaccinated can provide significant protection against illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. The mRNA vaccines are effective against the Delta variant, particularly two weeks after both doses are received.

Get more from the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment HERE.

The NoCo Virus Tracker articles are made possible by our partners, the Keep NoCo Open campaign that reminds citizens to wear a mask, wash your hands, physically distance and support local as Northern Colorado recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.