Model of a coronavirus cell (CDC via AP, File)
WALLA WALLA, Wash. Two cases of COVID-19 variants that originated overseas have been detected in Walla Walla County over the course of the last week.
According to an alert from the Unified Command of Walla Walla County Emergency Management, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has been identifying COVID-19 variants throughout the state using genome sequencing.
Over the course of the past week, the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health (DCH) was informed that the Delta and Gamma variants were detected in COVID specimens collected in the county.
The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) originated in India. It’s known to be highly transmissible and spreads from one person to another much easier than your average COVID-19 infection. The Gamma variant (P.1) has 17 unique mutations that originated in Brazil.
College Place Public Schools Will Vaccinate Students Next Week
If you have a student in the College Place School Districts, there is going to be a clinic for students to get vaccinated next week for ages 12-15.
According to a press release from the College Place School District, a clinic will be held on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 for students aged 12-15.
The district had already held a clinic for students aged 16-18.
Here are the details from the press release:
College Place Public Schools has teamed up with Walla Walla County Department of Community Health to vaccinate over fifty students, staff, and community members Tuesday during a vaccination clinic held at College Place High School.
Tyson Foods Offers Wallula Employees Covid-19 Vaccine
Tyson Foods in Wallula has offered employees the opportunity to receive Covid-19 Vaccinations. The company is working in partnership with the Walla Walla County Department of Health to vaccinate employees at the beef plant. Last year the plant was forced to shutdown operations due to an outn=break of the virus.
Tyson Officials estimate that about 100 employees have already received one dose of the vaccine, and were offering it to others with a clinic at the site for anyone who wanted the shots.
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Last May, the plant was dealing with an outbreak, where it was reported that 250 workers had tested positive for the virus. Three employees died.
KXLY
April 1, 2021 9:45 AM KAPP-KVEW STAFF
Credit: KAPP KVEW
WALLULA, Wash. Tyson Foods in connection with the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to employees at the Wallula beef plant on Thursday.
A spokesperson for Tyson Foods says more than 100 of the plant’s 1,400 employees have already been vaccinated.
“We’re pleased to offer our team members convenient access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and are committed to a long-term strategy that ensures any team member who wants a vaccine will receive one,” said David Tobias, HR manager at Tyson Foods’ Wallula facility.
A statement from Tyson Foods said that employees will continue to have access to the COVID-19 vaccine following Thursday’s event.