FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2022

Media Contact:      
Melissa Morin, Public Information Officer
Whatcom County Health Department
(360) 594-2504
[email protected]

Omicron Variant Causing Record Surge of COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:
Health Officers Urge Vaccination, Boosters, High-Quality Masks

BELLINGHAM, WA -- Whatcom County is experiencing the highest numbers of the pandemic yet. With hundreds of new cases being reported each day, the Whatcom County Health Department urges all county residents to get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a high-quality mask around others, and help stop the spread and reduce the strain on our community’s hospital and health care system. 

The Omicron surge is driving record numbers of cases, with no signs of leveling off. There is already a preliminary total of 960 COVID-19 cases this week (Sunday through Wednesday), and the Health Department expects these numbers to increase as more data comes in. This week’s cases are on track to exceed last week’s weekly total of 1384 cases, which was more than double the previous weekly record of 652 cases set at the end of Aug. 2021. A pandemic daily record of 423 cases were reported on Jan. 3, 2022, which is 36% higher than the previous record of 311 cases set on Dec. 29, 2021. Case rates in all age groups and all county sub-areas are rising.

Hospital admissions due to COVID-19 are also rising, but at a lower rate than cases. Although the Omicron variant appears less likely to cause severe disease than the Delta variant, it is more transmissible than previous strains of the virus, and the net effect we are experiencing is increased hospitalizations. From Dec. 5 through Jan. 1, representing four weeks of complete data that cover the beginning of the Omicron surge, 85.9% of hospitalized patients were unvaccinated.

“It is on all of us to take the steps that will protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19,” said Erika Lautenbach, director of the Whatcom County Health Department. “We’ve seen the devastating impacts of this rapidly spreading variant in businesses that have had to close temporarily, school districts returning to remote learning, and significant outbreaks among our vulnerable living in congregate facilities.  We know what to do to stop the spread and we must once again double down on our efforts to curb this wave as soon as possible.”

“Even with increased transmissibility, the vaccines still protect against severe disease and are a crucial tool in keeping people from needing to go to the hospital. If you’ve been waiting, now is the time to get vaccinated and get boosted. Booster shots give you the greatest amount of protection against Omicron infection, but even those first two doses can reduce severe COVID-19 and hospitalization by over 80 percent,” added Dr. Greg Thompson, Whatcom County co-health officer.

The Health Department is focusing its resources on the most vulnerable members of the community, with coordination of testing and vaccination clinics in long-term care facilities and other congregate living settings. Health care providers are all stretched to their limits as they cope with the surge. To help keep the health care system and schools functioning, the Health Department asks all Whatcom residents to do the following:

• Please get vaccinated if you haven't already. 
• Please get your booster shot if you're eligible. 
• It can be challenging to get a test right now, so if you have symptoms and you're unable to get a test, assume you have COVID-19 and stay home, regardless of vaccination status. Follow isolation and quarantine guidance.
• When around others, use a high-quality, well-fitting mask, such as a KN95, KF-94, or 3-ply surgical mask. If you do not have a higher quality mask, double-mask or knot ear loops to improve the fit of your mask.
• Avoid large crowds, and cancel social gatherings.