BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – One case of the more contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has been detected in Butte County.

Case investigation and contact tracing were completed prior to Butte County Public Health receiving the report of the Delta variant. The patient was unvaccinated.

The Delta variant spreads from person to person much more easily than the original virus and is anticipated to become the most common variant in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that the Delta variant is now responsible for about one in every five new infections across the country.

“The Delta variant is a more transmissible strain of the coronavirus and as it becomes more prevalent in the United States and in California, it is expected to become more prevalent in Butte County,” said Butte County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Bernstein. “We need to continue the important safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is especially important for unvaccinated individuals to wear a face covering while in any public indoor setting, public transportation, and business. Vaccines remain the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 and the emerging variants”.

Although the effectiveness of vaccine may be slightly lower against the Delta and some other variants, the COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States continue to provide strong protection. Full protection against the virus occurs two weeks after receiving both doses of an mRNA vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Public Health urges residents who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible. If the second dose of a two-dose vaccine was missed, reschedule as soon as possible, even if it is outside the recommended timeframe.

Those traveling this holiday weekend are urged to continue following all safety measures, including testing and quarantine guidelines. Do not travel if you are sick, have a recent positive COVID-19 test result, are in quarantine, or are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test after being exposed to the virus.

Now, more than ever, people should continue to follow guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and all variants, including: Wearing a face covering in indoor public settings, public transportation, and businesses if unvaccinated. Vaccinated persons may choose to wear a face covering to offer additional protection; Practicing good hand hygiene; Getting tested for COVID-19 if you have been exposed, even if you are asymptomatic; Staying home if you feel sick; Scheduling a vaccine appointment, if not already vaccinated.

Vaccinations remain widely available throughout Butte County. To view a full list of vaccine sites in Butte County including retail pharmacies and community vaccination clinics visit: www.ButteCounty.net/COVIDvaccine.

For more information about variants in California, please visit: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-Variants.aspx