Health dept: Hancock County seeing substantial virus transmission

Hancock County is now experiencing substantial community transmission of COVID-19, according to a news release issued Monday by Hancock Public Health. The county has recorded 63.34 cases per 100,000 people and a test positivity rate of 6% in the past seven days. Community transmission level is determined according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC's threshold for substantial transmission is 50 or more cases per 100,000 people in a seven-day period or a test positivity rate of 8% or higher. In the latest guidance, the CDC recommends that everyone — including those fully vaccinated — wear masks in indoor public settings in communities with substantial or high transmission. Hancock Health Commissioner Karim Baroudi said Monday that there will be no more mask mandates or shutdowns, but the health department is recommending that community members wear a mask in certain indoor settings. "We're at a point in the pandemic where people need to make their own choices," he said. This means weighing the risk when entering a meeting or business, noting things like ventilation and the opportunity for social distancing. Baroudi said the county's change in classification came as the number of positive COVID-19 test results from the weekend pushed Hancock County above the CDC's moderate community transmission level, where it had been as of Friday. Baroudi said "there's no reason to panic" in light of this change, but rather, "It's just public health informing the public so they can make an informed decision." "We have to learn to live with this virus a little longer," he said. "We're going to go back to doing our business. We're not going to be locking down again." Baroudi said vaccination is still the best way community members can help protect themselves and others. Masks and distancing when necessary are additional, proven tools to help slow the spread of the virus. "Adding a mask indoors will help further protect those who can't yet get the vaccine, including children under 12 and people with health conditions that limit the effectiveness of the vaccine," the health department press release states. More information, including Hancock Public Health's new weekly COVID-19 Case Report, can be found at www.hancockph.com