COVID-19 Team Update: Delta Variant and Vaccination
Countries around the world and many U.S. states are experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases because of the highly contagious Delta variant strain of the coronavirus. In the U.S., the variant makes up 80 percent of new cases and is now the dominant strain. Like the original strain, people who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are at greatest risk. Fortunately, breakthrough cases, or infections among people who are fully vaccinated, are rare, and the safety practices and procedures we have honed to protect ourselves still work, especially when combined with vaccination.
If you are able to get vaccinated and have not done so already, now is the time. Health officials are increasingly documenting surging COVID-19 case numbers in communities with low vaccination rates. Further, virtually all individuals, 99.5 percent, who suffer severe consequences associated with the virus have not yet been inoculated. Researchers estimate that approximately 70 to 85 percent of the country must be immune to the coronavirus before the threat from COVID-19 is eliminated.
Vaccination will help protect you, your loved ones, and everyone you with whom you come in contact from serious illness. Everyone 12 years of age and older is eligible for vaccination. Remember, you may request Administrative Leave for your vaccination appointments and if you feel ill following the dose. Employees and affiliated persons are encouraged to send a copy of their vaccination card to Occupational Health Services at OHS-MedicalReview@si.edu after their final dose.
If you would like to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines, visit Smithsonian’s collaborative Vaccines&US website. There you will find trusted information about the vaccine to help you make your decision and talk to your friends and family about vaccination.
Until vaccinations increase among our staff and our local communities to the point that positive case numbers decline, the Smithsonian will continue to require safety precautions. All employees, contractors, and affiliated persons are required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing inside Smithsonian facilities and leased spaces.The risk of transmission is greatest indoors when in close proximity to others for extended periods of time, and risk levels increase if you or those around you are unvaccinated.
Over the past year and a half, we have learned how to prevent the spread of the virus and how to protect our community. With increased vaccination rates and key mitigations, we have been able to safely reopen our doors and welcome back visitors to our facilities. We will welcome visitors back to the National Museum of African Art and the Freer Gallery today and will increase our hours of operation and stop using timed entry at most locations soon. Thank you for your commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for our community.
Stay safe and be well,
COVID-19 Response Team
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Posted: 16 July 2021
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