'Delta-driven surge': COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations rising significantly in King County

King County health officials are warning that the emergence of the more contagious delta variant, a large number of unvaccinated people, and changing social behaviors are causing a fifth surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

The county is currently averaging 344 cases per day — a 48% increase from the previous week. Hospitalizations are also rising, with 62 residents in King County hospitalized with severe COVID-19 in the last week alone.

While confirmed cases are rising primarily in 25 to 35 year olds and 35 to 49 years olds, cases remain largely among the unvaccinated. From June 22-July 21, 88% of COVID-19 related hospitalization were among unvaccinated, and 87% of deaths were unvaccinated.

"Compared to fully vaccinated residents, those who are not fully vaccinated were five times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, 11 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 11 times more likely to die," Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said in a Thursday news briefing.

The state is also seeing a sharp increase in cases driven by the highly-transmissible delta variant. Statewide, Department of Health data shows that an average of 1,500 new cases have been reported each day over the last four days. A staggering 94% of all cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state are among the unvaccinated, and hospital occupancy for those with severe COVID-19 is also at its highest level to date in 2021.

While Washington hit its target of a 70% COVID-19 vaccination rate for ages 16 and older in July, the pace at which residents are getting immunized has slowed considerably in the last month.

"Higher vaccination rates across the state are needed to protect our communities," said Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah in a news release Tuesday. "If there was ever a time to get vaccinated, it is now in the race against this variant."

While the rise in cases and hospitalizations is definitely a concern, Duchin said that the county is currently not planning for any more restrictions. But that could change at any moment if hospital systems become more overwhelmed.

Duchin also continued to advise that all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks and face coverings in indoor public spaces as an additional precaution. He cited a study from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) which found that the state could see 540 to 880 fewer COVID-19 deaths by November if universal mask coverage were attained.

Over the last several weeks, breakthrough cases in fully vaccinated celebrities and politicians have been making headlines. But Duchin maintained that getting vaccinated continues to be the best protection against severe cases of the novel coronavirus.

"Breakthrough piece do not mean vaccine failure," Duchin said. "We should expect to hear about more non-severe breakthrough cases as more people are vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are primarily intended for, and valuable because they prevent serious infections, hospitalizations and deaths."