Clinton Co. now just one of two "moderate" transmission counties

PLATTSBURGH | With nearly 30 new cases of COVID-19 reported over the weekend, Clinton County is clinging to its CDC standings as just one of two 'moderate' transmission counties left in the state. But as the numbers continue to increase, Clinton County Health Department officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and be mindful of healthy practices, including handwashing and avoiding indoor crowds, to help avoid a more serious spike. The Delta variant and statewide spike in cases also felt in neighboring counties has prompted new reminders and preventative efforts. Over the weekend, the Foundation of CVPH canceled the in-person portion of one of its biggest fundraisers, Oh La La Paris, after months of anticipation and after crews had already begun setting up due to health concerns with the social gathering. "We remained hopeful throughout the summer that we could hold the event, keeping in contact with the Clinton County Health Department on a regular basis to stay informed on the potential impact of COVID-19 on our region," CVPH Associate Vice President of Philanthropy Kerry Haley, said. "We also planned on taking numerous precautions, including the use of an outdoor venue, spacing considerations and providing masks and hand sanitizer. Unfortunately, the risk of spread was just too high even with these measures in place." CVPH Vice President for Population Health and Information Services Dr. Wouter Rietsema said "The last few weeks have seen fairly sustained increases in cases across our three-county region. The same is true across New York State. At the same time, our vaccines are not quite as effective against delta as against previous variants. "Fully vaccinated individuals remain largely protected from hospitalization and serious illness, but that is not necessarily true of people who they have contact with. The Foundation's event would have involved putting people together in relatively close proximity, eating and drinking. Although it would be outdoors, it is under a tent, and we know that transmission of the delta variant can occur in this scenario," Rietsema said when Aug. 20 when the foundation ultimately moved to cancel the outdoor weekend gala. The Health Department's Monday update came just hours after the FDA gave final approval for the Pfizer vaccine, making it the first to be fully approved for official licensing. "The FDA's approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic," acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement. "While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated." With 28 new cases since Thursday, Clinton County's current active COVID-19 caseload stood at 39. Currently, third-vaccine booster shots are available for immunocompromised residents in the county, though most Pfizer and Moderna vaccinated residents will have to wait until later this fall for the recommended third shot. Essex, Franklin and Warren counties remain listed as 'high transmission' areas as of Monday, Aug. 23.

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Clinton Co. now just one of two "moderate" transmission counties

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