‘We’re seeing Delta really ravage our community’: Health officials continue push for COVID-19 vaccines

Rate of infection is 15.6 times higher in unvaccinated individuals compared to those vaccinated

ROANOKE, Va. – Many months ago, before vaccines were wildly available, COVID-19 cases were at historic levels, according to health officials.

As of Tuesday, cases have returned to those levels some state health districts experienced in December 2020 and January 2021.

The Virginia Department of Health reported more than 3,300 new cases of COVID-19 in the state on Tuesday.

Health officials said the rate of infection is 15.6 times higher in unvaccinated individuals compared to those vaccinated.

Dr. Cynthia Morrow, the director of the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts, is pleading for more people to get vaccinated.

Her health districts, which include the cities of Covington and Roanoke, as well as Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke counties, saw 62 new people hospitalized because of the virus within the past week.

“We’re seeing Delta really ravage our community. It’s discouraging. I know people are frustrated. They’re so exhausted with COVID, but we need to keep fighting this fight,” said Morrow.

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About the Author:

McKinley Strother joined the WSLS 10 News team in June 2020. He anchors 10 News at 6 and 11 on Saturdays and Sundays and you'll also catch him reporting during the week.