June 26, 2020
COVID-19 update from Skagit County
COVID-19 is still present in our communities. For case counts, resources and up to date information visit www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus
CDC expands list of people at risk of severe COVID-19
Yesterday, June 25, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expanded the list of people at risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
As more information becomes available, it has become clear that a substantial number of Americans are at increased risk of severe illness- highlighting the importance of preventative measures.
A summary of the changes:
- The CDC has removed the specific age threshold from the older adult classification. CDC now warns that among adults risk increases steadily as you age and it’s not just those over 65 who are at increased risk.
- The CDC updated the list of underlying medical conditions that increase risk of severe illness. These added illnesses include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Obesity (a BMI of 30 or higher)
- Immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
An estimated sixty percent of American adults have at least one chronic medical condition, with more than 40 percent of U.S. adults having obesity.
The CDC also clarified the list of other conditions that might increase a person’s risk of severe illness. This list includes asthma, high blood pressure, pregnancy and neurological conditions such as stroke or dementia.
You can read the full CDC press release here.
These updates emphasize the severity of COVID-19, and the need for continued diligence practicing preventive measures. Please continue to practice good physical distancing and hand hygiene, and wear a mask at all times in public. Until a vaccine and/or treatment is developed these are the best tools we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community members and ourselves safe.
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