Clark County reported 199 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths over the Memorial Day weekend, continuing a declining trend in disease activity, according to data reported Tuesday by Clark County Public Health.
The new cases work out to an average of about 50 new cases a day in the four days since Friday, down from last week’s average of about 68 cases a day and the previous week’s average of about 84 cases a day, according to Public Health data. The cases include 174 confirmed through molecular, or PCR testing, for a total of 23,416 to date, and 25 probable cases diagnosed by antigen testing, for a total of 1,385.
The number of active cases fell to 433 confirmed and probable cases still in their isolation period Tuesday, down 20 percent from the 545 reported Friday, according to Public Health data. Deaths were unchanged at 271. Deaths are added to the county’s total 10 to 12 days after they occur. Seven deaths were reported last week.
Data on case rate and new hospitalizations is normally released Tuesday but was delayed due to the Memorial Day holiday, according to Public Health.
Public Health said hospitalizations were up slightly, with 44 people hospitalized with COVID-19, the same as Friday, and six people hospitalized awaiting test results, up from two on Friday.
The percent of occupied ICU beds in Clark County rose to 96.9 percent Tuesday, up from 87.9 percent Friday. ICU occupancy is a measure of health system capacity that includes people hospitalized for all causes. Public Health data showed that 8.7 percent of all hospital beds in Clark County were occupied by people with or suspected of having COVID-19.
As of Saturday, 55.67 percent of Clark County residents age 16 and older had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 46.42 percent were fully vaccinated, according to the Washington Department of Health. Among the entire population, 44.31 percent had received one dose and 36.95 percent were fully vaccinated.
Data for Clark County and the state show that COVID-19 vaccines are extremely effective at preventing COVID-19 infections as well as hospitalizations and deaths. According to county data from May 25, only about 0.07 percent of fully vaccinated Clark County residents have contracted COVID-19. That data shows 124 breakthrough cases out of 178,500 fully vaccinated people. Out of those 124 breakthrough cases, 67 percent, or 83 cases, were symptomatic. Ten percent, or 12 cases, were hospitalized, and two people died.
Anyone age 16 or older is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and anyone age 12 or older is eligible to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, though a parent or legal guardian must accompany minors ages 12 to 15. Underage teens are advised to check with vaccination sites about what sort of parental consent might be needed.
Vaccinations are available without an appointment at a number of sites in Clark County, including the Tower Mall vaccination site, 5403 E. Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver. The Tower Mall site will close at the end of June.
More information about opportunities for vaccination is available on Clark County Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine information website. Appointments at a number of locations throughout Clark County can be scheduled through the Washington Department of Health Vaccine Locator.
Those who do not have internet access or need help scheduling an appointment can call Public Health from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 888-225-4625. Call center representatives can assist with scheduling. Language assistance is available.
