Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Alabama Department of Public Health released updated data Tuesday indicating a continuing rise in COVID-19 cases in Escambia County.

Over the most recent seven days, the county has reported a 30.7 percent positive rate in those tested for the virus. With 352 tests administered over the last seven days, 108 tests returned with a positive result.

So far in Escambia County for 2021, 2,386 positive cases have been reported. The total cases for all of 2020 topped out at 2,795 positive cases in the county. For 2021, 33 deaths have been attributed to the virus.

The data released by ADPH shows that state cases are being reported in the 25 to 49-year old age group at a higher rate than those younger or older. Deaths in the state are typically seen in those age 49 to over 75.

the overall community transmission level in the county is ranked as “high” which is also the case across the state. The case rate indicator is “high” with 734.3 cases per 100,000 persons noted for the county.

Dr. Marsha Raulerson, a Brewton pediatrician, addressed the Brewton City School Board on Monday providing information she believes is important for the entire community.

“One month ago we though the pandemic was getting better,” Raulerson said. “The Delta variant has changed everything about this pandemic. We are on the verge of having to close our schools again. The Delta variant is far more contagious and is hitting our children harder than COVID.”

Raulerson said it is time to fight back using every tool possible to stop the spread of the virus.

“We need all hands on deck,” Raulerson said. “This is an emergency. Children 12 and over are eligible for the vaccine. Everyone over 12 needs to get the vaccine. And, we need to wear masks — including children. Kids do better with masks than adults. We know from research that masks prevent infections.”

Raulerson said the vaccine is just one step in preventing the spread of the virus.

“Children 12 and over and adults need to get the vaccine,” Raulerson said. “We also need to teach everyone to wash their hands often and distance from others when possible. It’s harder to say away from friends than to wear a mask. I beg you to consider the two things we can do: get vaccinated and wear our masks.”

Vaccinations are available, free of charge to the patient, at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, the Escambia County Health Department, Cottrell’s Hometown Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy and Walgreen’s.

The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for ages 12 and older. Not all vaccine clinic locations offer the Pfizer product. Please call ahead to your preferred vaccination location to ensure the products are available for those under 18.