Covid-19 is ravaging the country once again as the number of cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities are increasing. Unfortunately, vaccine rates are not significantly increasing. According to The New York Times, Idaho, a state with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, is seeing hospitals overwhelmed with COVID patients and has had to resort to healthcare rationing. In other words, if a COVID patient walks into a hospital seeking medical care, the hospital could refuse to offer help if that specific patient is deemed to be unlikely to survive. This tragic situation is directly linked to the population’s lack of vaccination. 

With Sonoma County’s vaccination rates being much higher than Idaho’s, COVID is still very much out in the public. This past week, Sonoma County’s seven-day average was at 127 cases, compared to a seven-day average of 28 cases at the end of June. That is a major increase, and here on campus, COVID has made its presence known. To date, Casa has sent out six general exposure notifications due to positive COVID-19 cases that were present on campus. As of August 30, Casa leads all Petaluma City Schools with six confirmed covid cases thus far. Between all PCS schools, there have been a combined 31 positive cases, with seven of the seventeen schools having no cases at all. Schools will continue to follow as many safety measures as possible, such as wearing masks indoors and ensuring clean air in all classrooms with the use of air sanitizers. As of late, the district and superintendent are encouraging, but not mandating, the use of masks when outside. If someone chooses to take their mask off, they are encouraged to stay socially distanced.

California now has over 4.5 million cases, with an additional 67,000 left dead from the virus. However, the amount of new cases recently is starting to decrease, now at a mere 22.8 positive daily cases per 100,000 residents. Additionally, the positive test rate is at a shallow 4.4 percent. Also, California leads the United States in total number of vaccines administered at 49.1 million, and has 57.1 percent of its population fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 is improving in California, but everyone still needs to follow all safety precautions vigilantly. People need to continue to protect vulnerable community members and small children who are unable to receive vaccination, due to age or conditions. This is especially important if one has a younger sibling who has not been vaccinated. Whenever someone leaves their house, they should be aware of how their actions affect others.