News Release West Central District Health Department
The risk dial moved from 1.61 up to 1.78, which is in the moderate risk level. There were changes in the following variables that contributed to movement in the dial:
Decrease in the following:
- Measure ID R8: Individuals Affected
Increase in the following:
- Measure ID R2: Cases
Vaccines play a critical role in decreasing the spread of disease and death within our communities. WCDHD closely monitors the vaccination rates in each of the six counties within our jurisdiction. Currently, the vaccination rate for the district is at 23% of those who are fully vaccinated. The highest rate is 36% in Hooker County, with the lowest rate in McPherson County at 14%. The next Risk Dial release will include a variable that indicates the percentage of the eligible WCDHD jurisdiction population that is fully vaccinated. Leading world experts state that between 60% and 80% of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Based on these highly reputable sources, WCDHD among other local health departments across the state, has set a goal of having 75% of eligible people fully vaccinated. Currently, that includes everyone age 16 and older that does not have a contraindication for vaccination. Note: vaccinating 75% of persons 50 years of age and older will be a key milestone in reducing the impact of COVID-19 in our community, since that age group includes the vast majority of persons who are at increased risk of hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.
There have been 42 new cases of COVID-19 reported to WCDHD.
“As we see the increase in new cases and the low percentage rates of COVID-19 vaccinations within our area, we are reminded of the importance of our communities following the mitigation strategies that have gotten us this far and re-energizing efforts for individuals to become immunized,” stated Shannon Vanderheiden, Executive Director of WCDHD.
While in the Moderate Risk category, physical distance of 6 feet or greater, wearing face coverings when outside the home, frequent handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer), staying home if you are having flu-like or COVID-like symptoms, disinfecting high touch surfaces, and having at-risk and vulnerable people remain home are recommended as the greatest tools in reducing the spread of COVID-19. For more information on recommendations for the various risk categories of the WCDHD Community Risk Dial, please visit the COVID-19 Risk Dial page on our website.
For COVID-19 case number updates within the West Central District Health Department Jurisdiction, check the WCDHD Dashboard HERE.