I did a little comparing this morning, early in a new year for COVID-19 in its various forms, between the fully vaccinated rate in Cerro Gordo County, where I used to live, and Lucas County, where I live now. According to the statisticians, 60 percent of those in and around Mason City are fully vaccinated; 44 percent, in and around Chariton.
That rate drops to 40 percent in Wayne County, our neighbor to the south, and into the 30s in Decatur, to the southwest. Other adjoining counties have slightly higher or comparable rates to Lucas.
Urban areas pull the statewide average up to roughly 60 percent; rural Iowa prevents it from rising more. The Des Moines Register this morning is reporting a 37 percent spike in positive tests following super-spreader Christmas-centered holidays.
So I've borrowed this advertisement, sponsored by Des Moines-area hospitals and published as a full page in Sunday's Register. Lucas Countyans who get sick and need treatment beyond the capabilities of Lucas County Health Center most likely will end up in Des Moines, providing there's room.
Data available so far seems to suggest that the latest viral variant is less deadly than earlier versions. If you're fully vaccinated. Otherwise, good luck.
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