4 Delta Variant COVID-19 Cases Confirmed In Rockland County

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — County officials were notified Tuesday morning of four Delta variant COVID-19 cases in Rockland during the second week of July.

"The Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread and infect overwhelmingly unvaccinated New Yorkers, and that's why it's vital that everyone who is able should take the vaccine right away," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in his daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic. "Getting vaccinated helps not just you, but your friends, family and community. It is both easy to take and easily accessible in New York, so don't delay — get the shot as soon as you can."

In Rockland County, there were 41 new positive cases Monday, compared to nine a week ago. There are now 156 active cases. Four people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

In the mid-Hudson region, the 7-day coronavirus test positivity rate has risen to 1.74 percent, up from 0.99 percent July 18. SEE: Coronavirus Rates Inch Back Up In The Hudson Valley

Classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a variant of concern, the Delta variant, initially detected in India and first detected in the United States in March 2021, is now the dominant form of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. This variant seems to spread more easily and quickly than other strains, leading to more cases of COVID-19. The Delta variant also impacts younger age groups more than previous strains, as more young people are getting sick and hospitalized with COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases will lead to more hospitalizations and potentially more deaths.

"All COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the United States have proven extremely safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, including against variants of concern such as Delta," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. "The antibody responses generated from the vaccine are much stronger and more consistent than immunity after a natural COVID-19 infection, making it even more important to get a vaccine, even if you've already had COVID-19."

Nearly all recent COVID deaths have been in unvaccinated individuals, Rockland health officials said. The CDC is now calling the COVID-19 pandemic a "pandemic of the unvaccinated." Those who are unvaccinated and not practicing public health measures such as wearing a mask indoors, staying at least 6 feet apart, and avoiding crowds, have the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying, which is why the county Department of Health urges all eligible individuals to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.

"With recent COVID deaths and hospitalizations nationwide made up almost entirely of those who are unvaccinated, I strongly urge those who have not yet gotten the shot to reconsider and do so now. These numbers are compelling, and we must act to protect ourselves, our family and our entire community from further harm," said County Executive Ed Day.

If you're already vaccinated, please talk to your unvaccinated friends or family about the dangers of the Delta variant and the importance of getting vaccinated before it's too late, Rockland officials said. Anyone with questions or concerns about the vaccines should talk to their doctor.

The governor announced a plan Monday to target neighborhoods in the Hudson Valley and across New York with high COVID-19 positivity and low vaccination rates. SEE: Number Of New NY Coronavirus Cases Jumps 449% In 1 Month: Cuomo

To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov and the New York State Am I Eligible webpage. Need assistance? Call the Rockland County COVID Call Center at 845-238-1956 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday (except holidays).

For more COVID-19 vaccine information, visit the CDC's Myths and Facts page.

Want to do it by appointment? You can make one online for the Rockland County Department of Health and other locations. Coming up first: There's a clinic Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Spring Valley, and a clinic Aug. 5 in Pomona. Click here for details and more opportunities.