COVID-19 News
This week, COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations are on the rise, driving COVID-19 Community Levels up to medium or high in 75% of U.S. counties. As the BA.5 subvariant of omicron fuels surges of COVID-19 cases across the globe, we’re dedicating this section of the Weekly Update to reiterate practical steps you can take and share with community members to stay safe and avoid infection:
  • Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including boosters. In particular, people who are 50 years and older should get a second booster if they have not done so. In April 2022, unvaccinated people ages 50 & up were 42 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than their vaccinated and double boosted counterparts, and people ages 50 & up with a single booster were 4 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than their double boosted counterparts. However, less than a third of adults eligible for a second booster have received one.

    While BA.5 is highly transmissible and more effective at evading immunity than previous variants, vaccinations and boosters are still saving lives.

  • Wear a well-fitting mask (preferably a KN95 or N95 respirator) in crowded, indoor spaces. A vast majority of the U.S. population (over 90%) lives in an area designated as having a high transmission rated by the CDC. Find free masks near you.
  • Take a test if you feel sick or have a known exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Whatever test is most available to you (PCR or rapid) is a good test. Rapid tests are more likely to show false negatives in the first few days of a COVID-19 illness, so if you have symptoms, take a rapid test, and if it’s negative, continue to isolate and take another test in 24-48 hours. You can still order free tests from the U.S. Postal Service.
  • Improve ventilation and air flow to limit the spread of COVID-19. As people head indoors during the current heat wave in much of the U.S., ensuring good ventilation is especially important. Open doors and windows (multiple if possible) and turn on fans to promote air flow.
  • If you do test positive for COVID-19, consider treatment options, available through the federal Test to Treat program, that can help prevent hospitalization and death. CDM recently published blogs in Spanish and English on Contratados.org explaining the Test to Treat program.
Check out this Novavax COVID-19 vaccine FAQ, available in Spanish and English, developed by our PPP partner, Tri Community Mediation.

Opportunities
  • This Thursday, July 28th from 5-7pm EST, our PPP partner, Sur Legal Collaborative, will co-host a training with expert Andrew Free on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state open record laws that allow the public to gain access to information that would otherwise remain hidden. The training will cover FOIA basics, best practices, exceptions, and the different strategic goals FOIAs can serve. Registration fees are available on a sliding scale, and you can register here.
  • Another PPP Partner, Love and Hope Rescue Mission, is collaborating with Tabitha Medical Care to host a Back to School Wellness Fair, including COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone ages 3 and up. The fair will take place on Saturday, August 20 from 11 AM to 4 PM at 30668 Sussex Highway in Laurel, Delaware.

State Level Data Overview

COVID-19 vaccination rates by state

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by state

State Snapshots

Delaware

  • This year, Delaware created a one-time rebate program that continues to issue $300 checks to residents of Delaware who are 18 years and older. Tens of thousands of people who are eligible have not received their checks, and anyone can check the status of their check online.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

Maryland

  • The Paul S. Sarbanes branch (122 S. Division St.) of Wicomico Public Libraries offers free lunch for young people ages 18 & under Monday to Thursday, from 12 PM to 2PM, and on Wednesday and Thursday, children can also watch a movie!

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

Virginia

  • As of July 20, the Central Shenandoah Health District no longer offers contraception and pregnancy counseling, breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, and pregnancy diagnosis due to nationwide budget cuts for family planning services. STI testing and treatment and free condom distribution will not be affected. Other regional providers, including Rockbridge Area Health Centers and Health Communities Health Centers, will continue to offer family planning services.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

North Carolina

  • $25,000 grants from Duke Energy are available to North Carolina nonprofits whose work reflects a historical commitment to racial equity and social justice. The grants can be used towards operating costs, and the application deadline is August 31.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

South Carolina

  • Read about Citlaly Marquez’s experience with the South Carolina Migrant Education Program as a Student Action with Farmworkers intern this summer.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

Georgia

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county
Data Sources: