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Of the 529 COVID-19 deaths in Alabama since April 1, 2021, only 20 people were fully vaccinated.

That means that 96.2 percent of deaths from COVID-19 in the past nearly three and one-half months in the state have occurred in people who were not fully vaccinated.

Covington County is one of 47 counties in the state with a “Very High” risk level as of Thursday, July 15. “We encourage you to be careful, take extra precaution, and consider the vaccine if you have not already done so. Take care of you and your family,” Covington County Commission Chairman Greg White said. There are five counties in the “High” risk level and six in the “Moderate” risk category. The final nine counties fall in the “Low” risk category.

State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “COVID-19 vaccines are our best defense in preventing serious disease as well as deaths, and this is especially important as the highly transmissible Delta variant spreads. While it is possible to get any strain of the virus, infected people are much less likely to experience complications or hospitalizations if fully vaccinated.”

COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise, and people need to take measures to protect themselves. More vulnerable people are at risk because of the low vaccination rate among eligible people in Alabama.

The ADPH lists the following general guidelines for those in the “Very High” risk level:

• Maintain social distancing in public settings.
• Wear face coverings when social distancing is difficult to maintain.
• Work at home, if possible. If not, keep a 6-foot distance from others. Wear face coverings at work when such social distancing is not possible.
• Avoid groups of more than 20 people.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel. If you must travel, avoid crowded areas if possible.
• Takeout, pickup, or delivery from restaurants is strongly encouraged rather than dining in.
• Avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals, nursing homes, or other residential care facilities.
• Even when visiting friends or family, wear face coverings when within 6 feet of people outside your household.
• Hold online worship services if possible. When meeting in person, keep 6-foot distances between people of different households; consider holding more services for lower attendance, and more spacing between people, at each service.

For more information contact the Alabama Department of Public Health at 334-206-5300 or visit www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19.