Weekly News From Los Alamos County
June 2, 2022
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Inside this newsletter, you will find...
The Epidemiology Corner - COVID-19 Update, Tools to Protect Against COVID-19, Guidance for High-Risk Individuals, Survey & Results, COVID-19 data and more.
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COVID-19 Update...
"...officials are concerned the ability of BA.4/BA.5 ...may extend the current wave in the U.S. or lead to a new wave during the summer or fall..."
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SARS-CoV-2 Variants Circulating in US:
BA.2.12.1 Predominates But BA.4/BA.5 Gaining Fast
For the week ending May 28, CDC estimates that Omicron variant BA.2.12.1 continues to predominate in the U.S. at 60% prevalence, however, two new Omicron variants of concern, BA.4 and BA.5 have now emerged in the U.S. over the past several weeks and are quickly gaining in prevalence, now estimated at 6% nationwide. See HERE.
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The outcompeting of successive Omicron variants for dominance has been referred to as the “battle of Omicron” and health officials are concerned the ability of BA.4/BA.5 to seemingly outcompete the highly transmissible BA.2.12.1 variant may extend the current COVID-19 wave in the U.S. or lead to a new wave during the summer or fall of 2022. Both BA.4 and BA.5 were first identified in South Africa in January/February 2022, where they quickly spread and lead to a fifth wave of COVID-19, despite nearly all South Africans (97%) being vaccinated or having had a at least one prior infection. Laboratory studies have since shown that variants BA.4/BA.5 are roughly twice as capable as BA.2.12.1 to evade immune protection conferred by either vaccination or prior Omicron infection. Fortunately, none of the Omicron variants have been shown to increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization over prior variants, but as case numbers rise, so do hospitalizations and deaths. CDC strongly recommends all eligible persons, especially those at high-risk of severe disease, remain up-to-date with vaccinations, including boosters. See HERE.
COVID-19 Incidence in the County:
Rising Trend Continues = Increased Community Transmission
Average daily reported COVID-19 cases continued to climb during May 2022, roughly doubling from 5 cases per day on average to nearly 10 cases per day. The rising trend in reported COVID-19 incidence in the county translates to increased community transmission. Although the Omicron variant proportions in the county are unknown, its prudent to conclude that variants BA.4/BA.5 have yet to circulate in predominance, which leaves the door open for further increases in daily case counts, as well as severe disease and hospitalization. The New Mexico Department of Health has identified three major risk reduction tools available for individuals, families, and communities: Testing – Vaccine – Treatment See HERE.
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Reported COVID-19 case incidence rates have been increasing in the county over the past two months, as they have been in neighboring Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos counties; the four of which comprise the Health Services Area (HSA) CDC uses to calculate Community Level hospitalization metrics. For the week ending May 31, three of the four counties had 7-day total incidence rates well exceeding the 200 per 100,000 level which automatically confers Medium risk status regardless of hospitalization rates. HSA hospitalization rates have risen nearly 5-fold over the past two months with the increasing regional case counts. According to the CDC, the hospital admissions rate in the four-county HSA was 7.9 per 100,000 during the week ending May 31. Hospitalization rates that exceed 10 per 100,000 in counties with an incidence rate above 200 per 100,000 result in a CDC classification of High risk, which triggers a CDC recommendation for indoor public masking, regardless of vaccination status. Other more enhanced protective measures are also recommended for High risk counties. See HERE
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NOTE: The COVID-19 incidence data reviewed here are based mainly on PCR-confirmed testing results compiled by CDC and may not necessarily include positive at-home antigen tests. As such, case counts are likely underestimated, but by how much cannot currently be determined.
To assist with more complete case monitoring in New Mexico, NMDOH provides for on-line reporting of positive at-home antigen results HERE.
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Available tools for protection against COVID-19
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, 95.5 percent of Los Alamos County residents have completed their COVID-19 vaccine primary series. However, Los Alamos County officials remind the community that the COVID-19 virus has not disappeared, but continues to mutate and change in ways allowing community transmission to occur despite vaccine availability and a high prevalence of prior infections. Highly transmissible variants of the Omicron variant continue to spread globally, and the US, including New Mexico and Los Alamos County, are now undergoing yet another wave of infections following the recent January 2022 surge. The New Mexico Department of Health website at https://cv.nmhealth.org. identifies a number of tools available to protect individuals, families, and the community:
- Vaccines and Boosters
- Testing
- Treatments
- Masking and social distancing
Vaccines and Boosters
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to be highly effective in protecting individuals from becoming severely ill and requiring hospitalization. Health officials recommend that vaccine-eligible individuals should stay up to date with vaccination, which now includes both primary and booster shots. In Los Alamos, there are several places to make an appointment, including the Los Alamos Public Health Office, Nambe Drugs, Medical Associates of Northern New Mexico, and Smith’s Pharmacies in Los Alamos and White Rock. While the State of New Mexico picks up the cost of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, the vaccinating organization may still charge an administrative fee to absorb the expense of administering paperwork.
For homebound individuals, the Los Alamos Fire Department will travel to the individual and administer the vaccine or booster at their home. These appointments can be scheduled through the County’s Social Services Department at 505.662.8068. Individuals can also visit the New Mexico Department of Health website HERE for additional locations and options throughout New Mexico.
While Los Alamos County does not have any future vaccine clinics planned, officials would like to thank Trinity Urgent Care, Nambe Drugs, Los Alamos Public Schools and the scores of community volunteers who assisted in administering vaccines and boosters at more than 35 clinics throughout the pandemic.
Testing
Testing for COVID continues to be critical in reducing spread of the disease. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms should be tested immediately, according to the CDC.
For individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, the CDC recommends a test be administered five days after the exposure. During this time, if the individual is not exhibiting symptoms, wearing an N95 or KN95 facemask and keeping a sufficient distance from others will assist in keeping friends and family safe until a negative test result is obtained.
No charge to the individual PCR testing is available through Curative (Curative.com) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Mari Mac parking lot at 759 Central Ave. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and through Pathology Consultants of New Mexico (PCNM.com) Monday through Friday at Overlook Park in the parking lot south of Overlook Rd. in White Rock from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Results are typically provided within 24 to 48 hours after the test via email or text message.
Additionally, residents can purchase at-home rapid tests at both Smith’s stores and Nambe Drugs, with results in 15 minutes after completing the test. Another alternative for community members is to order free tests from the Federal government at COVIDtests.gov.
To allow health officials to best track COVID-19, individuals using at-home rapid test should report COVID-19 positive results at the State of New Mexico’s web portal HERE.
If positive - Isolate
Individuals who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate regardless of their vaccination status.
For a family member who has tested positive, the CDC suggests that the individual should separate him or herself from other family members in the home and wear a facemask when around others. The CDC offers an online Quarantine & Isolation tool to help determine isolation and quarantine recommendations.
COVID treatments
COVID-19 treatments are available to those who test positive and are more likely to become seriously ill. These treatments can reduce the chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Generally, those most vulnerable to COVID-19 include older adults (ages 50 years or older, with the risk increasing with older age), unvaccinated people, and people with certain pre-disposing medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.
Antiviral drugs to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider, health clinic, or pharmacist to learn about treatment options, even if symptoms are mild at the moment.
Use the Test To Treat locator tool: Test To Treat (hhs.gov), or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to find a testing location that can provide treatment in your area.
Masking and social distancing
While facemasks are no longer required in many locations throughout the state and the U.S., individuals may still choose to wear facemasks and to practice social distancing to protect themselves and others. County officials highly recommend this for immunocompromised individuals who may be at higher risk of developing severe illness resulting from COVID-19. The CDC indicates that well-fitting N95 or KN95 masks are the most effective and they can be purchased at most pharmacies.
For more information on COVID-19 specific to Los Alamos, visit Los Alamos County’s website, https://lacnm.com/COVID.
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Do you feel confident you have all the tools you need to face COVID if your family is affected?
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COVID-19 treatments available for high risk individuals
New Mexicans at risk of severe disease encouraged to seek treatment early
The Department of Health reminds New Mexicans that COVID-19 treatments are available and can be accessed at many pharmacies, clinics and health systems across the state. These treatments are highly effective at preventing severe illness, and reducing hospitalization and death from COVID-19, but must be taken within days of the first symptom to be most effective.
Not everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 needs to take medication. People who are at higher risk for severe illness are most likely to benefit from treatment, even if they have mild symptoms. People can be high risk for many reasons. Some of the most common risk factors are: being age 65 and older; obesity; having chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, kidney disease or diabetes; being on treatment that suppresses your immune system; and pregnancy. To find a full list of factors that may put someone at higher risk, visit CDC: People with Certain Medical Conditions.
“Early testing and oral treatment taken within 5 days of the first symptoms of COVID-19 for those who have even one risk factor means being able to be treated in the comfort of your own home versus hospitalization,” said David R. Scrase, M.D. acting secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health. “Testing, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, COVID oral treatments and masking are the most powerful tools that we have at our disposal, to decrease the impact of COVID-19 in our community, as New Mexicans gear up to celebrate long-awaited weddings, graduations, and summer vacations.”
If you are at higher risk, get tested 3-5 days after being in contact with a person who has COVID-19 or if you develop symptoms and talk to a healthcare provider right away. To be effective, treatment should begin as soon as possible after symptoms start or you test positive. It is important for a provider to review your medical conditions and current medications to determine which treatment is right for you as some COVID-19 treatments may interact with some medications.
To find a provider or find a participating pharmacy where you can fill your prescription, visit the links below:
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Find a Provider for COVID Treatment Evaluation: HERE
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Current Participating Pharmacy Locations for Treatments: HERE
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In Albuquerque and Santa Fe try the federal COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator.
Important tools to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in your community include vaccines and boosters, washing hands often, getting tested if you are sick or are exposed to someone with COVID-19, and staying home when you are sick. In addition, it is important to follow the CDC COVID-19 community level in your area, use well-fitting high-quality masks when needed or based on personal preference, and follow other public health guidance.
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Testing Resources for Los Alamos County |
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Los Alamos County Testing Resources
Visit the County COVID Page for information regarding testing, click below:
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Los Alamos Vaccine & Booster Information |
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Los Alamos County Vaccine/Booster Resources
Visit the County COVID Page for information regarding vaccinations/boosters, click below:
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CDC COVID Data Tracker - June 2, 2022
To get today's break down of positive case data, demographics information, vaccine status and more for Los Alamos County or other counties across the United States, click HERE
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The charts available with this TOOL layout the key metrics for understanding the reach and severity of COVID-19 in a given area.
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Johns Hopkins
COVID-19 Status Report Dashboard for
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NMDOH Epidemiology Reports - Daily and Weekly Data
As part of the COVID-19 pandemic response, NMDOH collects and analyzes statewide data for COVID-19 positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The reports reflect these critical data and are updated weekly - click HERE
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We are listening to you!
Your feedback is helping to shape future newsletters, inform decisions regarding services, and make Los Alamos County healthier and safer. Make sure to participate each week to be heard!
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