Delta variant causing spike in COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated New Jersey – CBS Philly

CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) – There is a worrying increase in COVID-19 cases nationwide and in New Jersey. The state reported 441 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, the highest number since the end of May.
The town of Camden has a lot of people who are not vaccinated and as a result infection rates are higher. It is a model seen around the state.
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“From day one, Camden City has been our hot spot,” said Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young.
Camden County officials say the increase in COVID cases is due to the Delta variant primarily among those who are not vaccinated.
“People are still getting sick from COVID-19 and unfortunately people are still dying,” Young said.
It’s part of a national trend. New cases are rising in double digits in almost every state. There is an increase of over 50% in 32 states, including New Jersey.
“I draw your attention to the southern part of the state at 2.5%,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Judy Persichilli.
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The state health commissioner has highlighted the rising positivity rate in southern Jersey, which is nowhere near as bad as at the height of the pandemic.
“The overall trajectory of the COVID virus is decreasing,” said Dr. Mark Condoluci of Jefferson Health New Jersey.
But, New Jersey’s seven-day average is now 331 new cases daily. This is 77% more than a month ago.
“The concern is to see it in these settings that could be life together like colleges and other areas that people don’t get vaccinated with,” said Caryelle Lasher of Camden Health.
In addition to young people who spread the virus at events like beach parties, officials also say there is a disparity in vaccinations. Haddonfield has a high number of fully protected people, compared to Camden, where rates are low.
“I have conversations with people who still don’t trust him for some reason,” Young said.
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Among the unvaccinated, there are growing concerns for children under 12 who are not yet eligible. There have been epidemics in the camps. Doctors say it’s important for all unvaccinated people to wear a mask, especially when they’re indoors.