Chelan-Douglas Health District Saying Delta Variant Hitting Hard

The Delta Variant of COVID-19 is causing the case rate in the Chelan-Douglas area to double every 7-to-10 days, which is significantly faster than it was previously.

Health District Administrator Luke Davies says the majority of hospitalizations are happening in unvaccinated people and that if you have symptoms call your doctor.

"We are seeing hospitalizations across the state at the highest levels they've been in 2021, so there are very few beds available. It's important to call before you go."

A public health advisory has been issued asking people to vaccinate, wear masks and distance indoors, practice hygiene and watch for symptoms.

Davies also stressed the importance of getting the vaccine, and he says numbers have gone from 400 shots a week, to between 600 and 700.

"We are seeing people that I will dub, 'vaccine reluctant' who are coming in and getting vaccinated on the down low. That is totally fine. Anyway you get the vaccine we will not judge you for. If people are reluctant or have barriers, or wondered about it, now's the time to [get the vaccine.]"

Davies says he hopes that more people get the vaccine to help out health care workers.