Collier County is at “medium” risk of covid transmission according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control report for the week of Dec. 21-27. The CDC updates the county level data every Thursday.

The CDC calculates risk based on the number of new cases, the number of deaths, the new positivity rate (percentage of people tested who were positive), the number of covid-related hospital admissions and the availability of ICU beds. The CDC notes the actual positivity rate could be different because many people now test at home and the CDC data does not include the home tests.

For the week of Dec. 21-27, Collier County had 356 new COVID-19 cases out of 651 people tested. In Collier County, 85,7% of the population over age 5 has been vaccinated with 95% of those over age 65 vaccinated. Collier County hospitals had 40 new admissions of covid-positive patients for the week. According to the report, 3,8% of hospital inpatient beds in use were by patients confirmed with COVID-19.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 has resulted in the deaths of 1,088,481 people in the United States since the start of the pandemic.

The CDC website explains:

"COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch.

"Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms."

To protect yourself against COVID-19, the CDC advises:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters;
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly ;
• Improve ventilation in your home or workplace;
• Get tested if you suspect you may have COVID-19;
• Stay home if you are sick;
• Stay home if you suspect you might have COVID-19;
• Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19;
• Consult your doctor about other precautions, such as wearing a mask, which might be appropriate for you, based on your individual health history.