City Of Fort Worth: COVID Cases On The Rise Again After Weeks Of Decline

Press release from City of Fort Worth:

July 20, 2021

After three months of steady declines, MedStar crews are reporting a higher frequency of patients with a potential COVID infection. Meanwhile, Tarrant County Public Health is reporting an increase in positive COVID tests in the community.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that unvaccinated people accounted for over 97% of hospitalizations. The CDC director noted a clear correlation between areas with low vaccination rates and those with a high risk of community transmission to bolster what she called a “pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

A major concern is the Delta variant, a highly contagious -- and possibly more severe -- virus strain, which is now the dominant strain in the U.S. People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating. People who are not vaccinated remain at risk.

“The Delta variant is concerning because health officials are finding it is more easily transmissible and there is a higher risk of hospitalizations when compared to other variants,” said Brandon Bennett, the city’s health director. “Clearly, the best and easiest way to protect yourself and your family is to get fully vaccinated.”

View an NBC-5 interview with Bennett on this topic.

The City of Fort Worth continues to host community vaccine clinics at convenient locations across the city. Most sites are available for adults 18 years and older only. Parents of youth ages 12-17 should call 817-392-8478 to learn about additional options. Register online for a vaccination. 

To learn more, call 817-392-8478 or email the hotline. 

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This press release was produced by City of Fort Worth. The views expressed here are the author’s own.