By Anna Farish
Jul 22, 2021 | 10:24 PM
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Delta variant is to blame for the latest surge of coronavirus numbers in Mississippi. On Thursday, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported almost 1,200 cases.
When it comes to vaccinations, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said on Thursday there’s been an increase in getting the shots. With the BNT162b2 vaccine, the effectiveness of two doses was 93.7% (95% CI, 91.6 to 95.3) among persons with the alpha variant and 88.0% (95% CI, 85.3 to 90.1) among those with the delta variant. https://t.co/OkYn3iwmpq
Across several age groups, the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) is reporting lower vaccination numbers from younger age groups. Many from the younger age groups have not gotten vaccinated because they are scared. Some said they do not care while others believe no one should tell you what to do.
Briefs
Chamber of Commerce awarded funds to support tourism
Kennebec Valley Tourism Council (KVTC) has awarded sponsorship support funds in the amount of $1,662.50 to Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce for the Taste of Waterville to assist in the growth of tourism in Maine’s Kennebec Valley and produce a positive economic impact on the region.
Mid-Maine Chamber was one of 12 sponsorship recipients awarded as part of the 2021 KVTC marketing partnership program. In total, the 2021 KVTC sponsorship support application requests reached nearly $29,100. The organization was unable to fully fund all regional sponsorship requests to its members this year. However, with the help of Brookfield Renewable U.S., KVTC was able to fund $19,351.50. KVTC is excited to award sponsorships to local organizations who are helping KVTC promote the Kennebec Valley region as a destination place with their own marketing initiatives.
MEXICO The board of directors of Region 9 School of Applied Technology approved $2.3 million budget Wednesday.
The vocational school’s director, Brenda Gammon, said health insurance costs were $47,000 less than expected for 2021-22.
The total budget is $2,314 less than this fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Residents of the 16 towns sending students to the school will vote on the budget at 6 p.m. May 5 at the school at 377 River Road in Mexico. The towns are Rumford, Mexico, Roxbury, Hanover, Bethel, Newry, Woodstock, Greenwood, Dixfield, Canton, Carthage, Peru, Andover, Byron, Gilead and Upton.
In other business during the Zoom meeting, the board approved hiring Mason King as a full-time IT specialist starting July 1. He has been working one day a week at the school.