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Three Rivers identifies COVID-19 variants of concern

The Three Rivers Health Department has identified four new lab-confirmed variants of concern in the district. 
 
Three of the new variants of concern are the Delta  (India) — two in Dodge County and one in Washington County. The other variant of concern identified is the Gamma (Brazil) located in Dodge County. 
 
Dodge County has 22 identified variants of concern, including 16 Alpha (U.K.), three California, one Gamma and two Delta. Saunders has 11 variants of concern consisting of nine Alpha, one Gamma and one Delta. Washington has 24 variants of concern, including 20 Alpha, one Gamma and three Delta. 
 
“The Delta variant is here and it is responsible for the majority of new infections across the country,” Three Rivers Executive Director Terra Uhing said. “Over the last two weeks, we have continued to see an increase in the number of cases and COVID-19 related hospitalizations in our own hospitals.” 
 
Uhing said what is also troubling is that vaccination rates are also not increasing as quickly as needed to protect communities. 
 
“As of today, only 46.66 percent of the health district is fully vaccinated, making the threat of COVID-19 still very real,” she said. “With the end of summer activities and a new school year on the horizon, we strongly encourage anyone 12 years of age or older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they are able.” 
 
The executive director said that the Delta variant has increased transmissibility, suggesting that it spreads easier than other variants or the original strain. It may also have increased resistance to current COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments. 
 
“Neighboring states with low vaccination rates, such as Missouri, have experienced the wrath of the Delta variant, causing their health systems to be overwhelmed,” Uhing said. “Especially now, when most people have stopped masking and social distancing protocols, it is more critical than ever to get vaccinated.” 
 
Vaccinations continue to be available at no cost. The walk-in clinic schedule includes:
 

  • Dodge County — 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Three Rivers Fremont location. 
  • Saunders County — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Three Rivers Lake Wanahoo Clinic. 
  • Washington County — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at First Lutheran Church in Blair. 

 
For more information about COVID-19, call Three Rivers at 402-727-5396 or visit www.threeriverspublichealth.org.

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