Butte County confirms 32 new cases, two more deaths

OROVILLE >> A total of 32 new confirmed cases were reported in Butte County between Feb. 19-21, according to Butte County Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard, in addition to two more deaths due to complications from the virus, which occurred on Feb. 10 and 11, respectively.

In addition to the 32 new confirmed cases via PCR testing, an additional nine probable cases via rapid antigen testing were confirmed.

According to BC19.Live, an independently-operated dashboard monitoring virus trends in Butte County, the county’s seven- day positivity rate is 2.9%, a decrease of 0.42%.

The two new deaths reported on Monday coincided with the U. S. surpassing 500,000 virus deaths. In Butte County, 158 residents have died after contracting the virus. Of the two latest individuals to pass away, one was between 55 and 64 years old and one was between 65 and 74.

In Glenn County, six new confirmed cases were reported Monday since Glenn County Public Health’s last update on Friday, and in addition to one new case reported via a rapid antigen test.

Vaccine update

First dose vaccine clinics through Butte County Public Health are still on hold while the county awaits further allocations from the state. The county health department announced a community vaccination clinic taking place on Wednesday and Thursday through Oroville Hospital for county residents 65 years of age and older. By Monday afternoon, all 200 appointment slots had been filled online.

As of Thursday, Feb. 18, Butte County had been allocated a total of 70,015 first and second doses of the vaccine, and all of them had been ordered. The county has received 54,625 doses and administered 43,002 of them.

Glenn County Public Health reported Friday, Feb. 19, that it has administered 2,223 first doses and 846 second doses of the vaccine to date. Due to its current allocation, the county health department said it is still prioritizing Phase 1B groups including people over 75, people 65 years and older with underlying conditions, and emergency services.

In the next couple of weeks, eligibility will be expanded to all Phase 1B, Tier 1 eligible residents.