SVH CEO Community COVID Update, February 11 (Updated February 13, 2022)
Our Actions Matter
We have lost more community members to Covid over the past couple of months than at any other time during the pandemic. This is tragic, not just the loss of life, but the realization that most of these deaths, and perhaps all, werepreventable.
The impact of the pandemic has been devastating. We have lost family members, life partners, parents, children and friends. For local businesses, it has caused further damage to their viability and the livelihood of their employees, not to mention the overall economic health of our community.
While there is reason to believe that the current Covid wave is receding, and we will have fewer restrictions soon, it is important for all of us to continue to stay current on vaccinations and be safe with one another by following recommended masking procedures.
County Numbers
As of February 13, this chart shows, the number of new cases reported at the end of January has begun to decline from record levels. More importantly to note as of February 11 only 61.5% of those fully vaccinated in Sonoma County (12 years and older) have received their booster dose. Less than half of us have the maximum protection against Covid (fully or partially vaccinated). We have room for improvement.
Omicron
Omicron and its stealth mutation, BA.2, are extremely transmissible, even in those who are fully vaccinated. But how Covid affects those who are fully vaccinated versus those who are not, varies dramatically when they become infected. The vaccine helps because it shows our bodies how to fight off the virus and win. Without the vaccine, our bodies just aren’t able to cope with the virus. We’ve seen this first-hand at the hospital. Over the past few months, the patients needing care at the hospital were almost all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals.
Community Matters
We have made great strides with Covid since January 2020, so let’s not lose sight of all that we’ve accomplished. The efforts of Sonoma Valley healthcare workers and volunteers to provide vaccination and testing clinics, as well as ensure open beds in the hospital, has been extraordinary.
I was inspired by the actions of community partners and leaders at a recent virtual gathering. Everyone continues to be engaged and supportive, and I’m confident we will get through this together.
Thank you for all you’ve done to keep Sonoma healthy. And, if you have the opportunity, show some love to a healthcare worker who has worked so hard to keep us healthy during what has been a very stressful time.
Sincerely,
John
John Hennelly, CEO and President
Sonoma Valley Hospital
You may reach out to us directly anytime; we are here for you and with you.
Email: administration@sonomavalleyhospital.org or call us at 707.935.5257, Community Outreach.