Yuma County 39% vaccinated
County beginning to make strides in fight against COVID-19 - News 11's Arlette Yousif reports
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma County is progressing in the fight against COVID. Even with some hesitation, many locals are still getting vaccinated. Board members shared their excitement as they discussed no new deaths related to COVID-19. Each day this occurs is a great indicator of the progress being made.
The extensive and unpredictable COVID battle seems to be in our favor nearly a year and a half after our lives were turned upside down.
Yuma County Public Health Services District Director Diana Gomez says the local population is 39% vaccinated against COVID. She says they will continue holding vaccine clinics until the County is fully protected against coronavirus. She also announced that organizations can now order their COVID-19 vaccine directly instead of going through the County.
"So far, in Yuma County, we have administered over 160,000 doses. Meaning that about close to 74,000 Yuma County residents have been fully vaccinated. Which accounts roughly to about 39%," says Yuma County Public Health Services District Director Diana Gomez.
Gomez says they will continue holding vaccine clinics until the county is fully protected against coronavirus. She also announced that organizations can now order COVID-19 vaccine directly online.
"Most healthcare providers that have onboarded can now readily order vaccine independently through the state ASIIS system. So medical provider offices can now do their own ordering and they can adjust based on whatever their needs are," explains Gomez.
One thing’s for sure, the vaccine is working.
"The good news is the vaccine is working. It is highly effective. We’ve seen it work in real-world scenarios. So it’s very important to continue to remind people again that, that is available and it’s free of charge," says Gomez.
For those under the age of 12 or anyone who is still deciding if they will get vaccinated against the virus, it is important to continue being proactive.
"Testing is an important option for those who are unable to get the shots or have not gotten the shots," says Yuma County Emergency Management Director Tony Badilla.
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors is working to remove the mask mandate locally within the upcoming weeks.
"The requirement that people wear a mask coming to County offices or County buildings or to be able to work inside will be removed," says Yuma County Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony Reyes.
Even after the County makes the change, the mask mandate will still be in place in medical facilities, public transportation, and schools.
