As new cases of COVID-19 begin to increase, as well as the introduction of new strains and variants of the virus, public health officials across the state are encouraging residents who have not yet been vaccinated to make an appointment to do so.

“It is important to get vaccinated,” said Webster County Health Department Director Kari Prescott. “The vaccination is the best line of defense against COVID-19 and the delta variant and new strains as they evolve.”

Prescott said she is concerned about the decreasing vaccination rates in the county while the highly contagious delta variant is circulating.

The delta variant of the virus was first confirmed in Iowa on May 4, and it is the predominant strain circulating in Iowa, according to the WCHD. It has been identified in Webster County.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health’s coronavirus data site, Webster County currently has a 9% positivity rate with 60 new positive tests confirmed in the last seven days.

According to the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health, fully vaccinated people have some protection against COVID-19 and the delta variant. Unvaccinated people are recommended to limit their actions and wear masks.

“Our message is simple,” Prescott said. “Get vaccinated. Wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick.”

Prescott doesn’t want to create a scare tactic, but said residents need to assume that at some point they will be exposed to COVID-19, the delta variant or another mutated strain of the virus.

“If you are vaccinated, you have protection against the virus,” she said. “If you are unvaccinated, you do not.”

The vaccine is available to limit the severity of the illness. Vaccines continue to be available in Webster County at Daniel Pharmacy, Hy-Vee, CVS and Walgreens.

WCHD will continue to monitor the COVID-19 climate within the county and will continue to call positive cases and offer guidance.