COVID STATUS STAYS ORANGE

JEFFERSON CO STILL ORANGE

Jefferson County’s COVID-19 numbers remain in the “Orange” advisory status — meaning community spread is approaching high levels — but the number of new virus cases is trending better and if that improvement continues the county could be back in the “Yellow” by next week.

“Our metrics are improving,” said Jefferson County Health Department Administrator Tammy Monroe, However, she said the county must remain at a lower weekly two-metric score for two consecutive weeks to move into the less severe advisory level.

There have been just six new positive cases of COVID-19 in Jefferson County and the county’s current seven-day average positivity rate is 5.3% while the seven-day positivity for unique individuals is 10.8%.

As of Wednesday, 11,792 Jefferson County residents are fully vaccinated and 12,244 residents have received at least a first dose of COVID vaccine. Switzerland County has 2,096 fully vaccinated and 2,188 that have received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series.

COVID vaccines are continuing to be administered Monday through Friday at the Jefferson County Health Department for those 18 years of age and older. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting www.ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211. Walk-ins are welcome Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vaccine is now eligible to 16 years of age or older. All 16- and 17-year olds must receive a Pfizer vaccine.

Jefferson County Health Department will hold mobile vaccination clinics all next week with no appointment necessary. The schedule will follow the same locations, hours and times as the county’s trash collection program in the various unincorporated areas of the county.