All age groups in the county are seeing the same favorable declining trend in reported case transmission. These patterns are particularly encouraging given that schools have been in session for over a month now. According to NMDOH, no cases have been reported among youth 5-19 years during the first 12 days of September. Among the elderly, however, the same pattern of comparatively high transmission seen in August appears to be continuing in September. Whether this reflects a true comparative incidence pattern or simply a greater likelihood of reportable PCR-testing in the elderly remains unclear. The advent of at-home rapid antigen testing, which is non-reportable, has placed challenging limitations on the interpretation of COVID-19 incidence statistics, particularly when unexpected patterns occur. Nevertheless, virus transmission is undoubtedly occurring in county seniors, and current CDC vaccination data indicate that 95% of those 65+ years have received the first two primary doses, but of these, only 83% have received a booster dose, which CDC considers critical for effectively preventing severe COVID-19.
NOTE: The COVID-19 incidence data reviewed here are based on PCR-confirmed testing results compiled by CDC and NMDOH and do not include data on positive at-home antigen tests. As such, case counts are likely underestimated, but how much cannot be determined at any given time point.
To assist with more complete case monitoring in New Mexico, NMDOH provides for online reporting of positive at-home antigen results HERE.
Original source found here.
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