WATONGA – The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been making headlines recently for reversing the nationwide downward trend of the disease. But so far, Blaine is one of a handful of Oklahoma counties that still has relatively low case rates.
As of last week, Blaine is listed as being in the “yellow,” or low-risk phase of Oklahoma coronavirus transmission, per the state’s own guidelines. The state defines low risk as between 1.43 and 14.29 daily new cases per 100,000 population.
Blaine County was averaging 12.1 new cases per 100,000.
However, new stats updated this week might change Blaine’s designation. The county lags others in total vaccination rate, with 32% of residents fully vaccinated as of Aug. 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That’s compared to about 46% of Caddo County residents, 45% of Canadian County residents and 47% of Oklahoma County residents.
The Blaine County Health Department is currently offering tests for, and vaccines against, COVID-19. Testing is available by appointment only by calling 580-623-7977.
The CDC recently revised its masking guidance in light of the spike of Delta cases; the Delta variant of COVID-19 is believed to be more contagious than previous versions, though vaccines are still considered effective at limiting its spread and also reducing the severity of breakthrough cases.
The CDC now recommends that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. It also recommended indoor masking for all teachers and students as school begins; however, it is now against Oklahoma state law for schools to require masks unless another state of emergency is declared.
Though Blaine County is only in the low-risk phase by Oklahoma’s standards, as of last week, it is considered an area of “high” transmission by the CDC.