Covid Cases Rise In North Central District

North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) has been made aware of 494 new COVID-19 cases in the district since last reporting period on Jan. 10.

This week, NCDHD is reporting 462 positive COVID-19 cases the week of Jan. 10 -Jan. 17. The previous case-rate/week high was 320 cases the week of Dec. 13 - Dec. 20.

You can get a home Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test. Visit covidtests.gov to order yours. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free-there is no shipping cost and you do not need to enter a credit card number. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your test now so you have them when you need them! Visit covidtests.gov for more information.

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination updates:

• Pfizer shortens the time between the completion of primary vaccination of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose to at least 5 months.

• Pfizer booster doses approved for individuals 12+ by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

• A 3rd Primary Dose of Pfizer for individuals 5-11 years of age with immunocompromising conditions is approved through EUA. This third dose needs to be administered at least 28 days or longer following the second dose of the two-dose regimen. People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional primary shot is appropriate for them.

Covid-19 isolation period for positive individuals and quarantine period for exposed individuals have been updated.

If you test Positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status:

• Stay home for at least 5 days

• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.

• Must continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

• If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, ARE FULLY VACCINATED and have received your COVID-19 booster dose if eligible:

• Wear a mask around other for 10 days.

• Test on day 5, if possible.

• If you develop symptoms stay home and consider getting a test.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are NOT fully vaccinated:

• Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

• If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.

• Test on day 5 if possible.

• If you develop symptoms stay home.