By Dianne Finch
In Massachusetts and most other states and countries, the COVID-19 Delta variant is driving COVID cases up.
The strain is more contagious than previous mutations, but scientists are still collecting data to determine whether Delta causes more severe illness than its predecessors. To add salt the wound, this rise accompanies FDA and CDC announcements that our vaccine protection is waning, and booster shots are under review.
Cape Ann has relatively high vaccination rates, as the Vaccination Coverage map shows in the (above/below) Data Dashboard. That certainly helps reduce spread of the virus, though some are advocating going back to mask wearing indoors.
About the data: Data source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Data in this dashboard was last updated on 9/2/21 based on reports from towns and cities from 8/15/21 through 8/31/21.
“Delta is circulating now, and we are seeing breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated,” said Bruce Cohen, epidemiologist and chair of the Rockport Board of Health. “Generally, it’s clear that Delta is more transmissible, but it’s unclear whether it’s more severe or not. There are various studies but no consensus. It may be slightly more severe,” said Cohen.
As federal and state governments work on the booster plan, Cohen said that some data is showing that the Pfizer vaccine may not be as effective as Moderna’s in preventing infection. “Although there is no evidence that Pfizer is not just as effective in preventing hospitalization and death,” added Cohen.
The state collects a wide variety of data on COVID-19. The dashboard (below, above) shows a clear trend statewide and in Essex County of rising infection rates. See the graph labeled “Essex County Average Daily Rate.” The orange line shows the rise in cases statewide, and the blue bars show the rates for Essex County. As you can see, the rates started going up again around mid-July—consistent with the rise of the Delta variant locally.
Keep in mind that while Cape Ann rates are on the rise, Essex County cities and towns outside of Cape Ann, including Lawrence and Haverhill, are the driving factor for the county’s higher numbers. Refer to the map labeled “Essex County Positivity Rates,” and compare Rockport with a positivity rate of 1.9 to Haverhill at 4.05 or Methuen at 5.16.
“The impact of Delta and policies and regulations depend on which geographic area one is discussing,” said Cohen.
Cohen said there are three layers to consider when reviewing COVID-19 data. First, there are “broader populations” where vaccination rates are too low.
The map labelled “Vaccination Coverage” show this to be true. A look at Haverhill’s vaccination rate shows to be about 67%, while Rockport’s is 79%. That said, browse by age group for either town. You’ll see that the vaccination rates for younger people are much lower than those of older generations. For those 65 and older, vaccinations are quite high in Rockport at 93%.
Worldwide, infections among young children, including babies, are rising.
Cohen added that some reports are showing that Pfizer’s vaccine may not be as effective as Moderna’s in preventing infections, but the jury is still out on whether Pfizer is as effective as Moderna in preventing hospitalization or death. He hasn’t seen the latest data on other vaccines.
Cohen said that despite all this new information, most COVID infections and deaths are still among those who remain unvaccinated.
