Well, kids, we’re in it now. The holiday season is in full gear. Trouble is, as my dear late husband would say, there is still trouble in River City. According to the New York Times, “(u)nvaccinated people in Sullivan County are at an extremely high risk for Covid-19 infections. New cases are the highest they have ever been. The average number of new cases in Sullivan County reached 48 yesterday, a 9 percent increase from the day before.”
“New cases are the highest they have ever been.” Chilling words.
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has a resource called NYDatabases.com with information on many issues statewide, including the rates of vaccination in each NY county. Sullivan County, as of December 2, 2021, has a total population of 75,211. Of those, only 55.4% are fully vaccinated. Considering that daily numbers of Covid-19 infections in the county are the highest they have been since the beginning of the pandemic, it seems that it would behoove citizens who are unvaccinated to avail themselves of the vaccine as soon as possible.
The Times report continues, “Because of high spread, the C.D.C. recommends that even vaccinated people wear masks here. Since January of last year, at least 1 in 8 people who live in Sullivan County have been infected, and at least 1 in 838 people have died.” These statistics are rather grim.
Fortunately, Callicoon has a pharmacist who was in the forefront of dispensing vaccines in Sullivan County and beyond. Dr. Gene Burns is a true health care hero, who continues to offer vaccines and boosters to the community. His Riverside Remedies Pharmacy provides vaccines, medicines, and other health and beauty items, and is a wonderful asset to this entire area. Dr. Burns is knowledgeable and caring, well versed in the research, and able to answer the questions of community members.
Callicoon is indeed fortunate to have Riverside Remedies (riversideremedies.com) and Dr. Gene Burns at such a crucial time.
We may feel like we’re “over it” with Covid-19, but Covid-19 is certainly not done with us. Please stay safe and healthy, dear readers.
And if you haven’t yet, please get the jab.