September 10, 2021
09/10/2021 - Trending Upward
Updated situational flowchart for positive or exposed employees
The City of McKinney has updated its situational flowchart for employees who show symptoms of Covid-19, have tested positive, or have been exposed. These changes are based on updated recommendations from the CDC.
A message from Fire Chief Danny Kistner
McKinney employees,
Cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant continue to trend upward. The weekly Covid-19 report shows a dramatic increase in active cases among employees and family members. Twenty-nine new cases were reported from Sept. 1 to Sept.7, bringing the total active cases to 44. Tools to stave off the virus continue to be vaccination, face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, and disinfecting work areas.
Vaccination continues to be the best method of risk reduction. Recently, south Texas firefighter James Heater passed away from Covid-19 related health problems. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters. His wife urged everyone to get vaccinated, “This virus is hitting way too close to home. I don’t want this happening to anyone else as it has done to our family.”
Similar stories are heard regularly at our overwhelmed health care facilities, and they are all overwhelmed. Our health care partners continue to report most of those hospitalized are not vaccinated. Critically ill patients lament the failure to get vaccinated before getting exposed. Further, the availability of hospital beds is reduced, many occupied by Covid-19 patients, compelling medical staff to triage non-Covid-19 patients. The stress on healthcare providers is high.
I continue to encourage everyone without contraindication to get vaccinated. Yes, breakthrough infections may occur; however, the severity of illness is significantly reduced or eliminated among the vaccinated. The Pfizer product is now approved for those waiting for formal FDA approval instead of the Emergency Use Authorization. Know that complications from the vaccine are rare. For those who remain unaffected, the fire service refers to this as “accidentally successful.” Remember, a tragic outcome does not happen until it does. In short, the protective benefit of vaccination exceeds the nominal risk.
Face coverings are recommended as well, especially indoors and in confined areas. Human Resources updated the situational flowchart regarding exposure and returning to work based on established guidelines. An exposure occurs if someone is within 6-feet of an infected individual for greater than 15 minutes. In certain scenarios, employees may return to work if symptom-free and a face covering is worn for 14-days. Even if vaccinated, this stipulation is necessary since you may still carry and transmit the Delta variant.
Similarly, we can take care of one another by staying home if ill. Please be considerate and don’t unnecessarily jeopardize others.
The message is clear. Consult your primary health care provider and get vaccinated unless an identified contraindication exists. If you are sick, stay home. If you are exposed or test positive, contact Human Resources.
Thank you for doing your part to end this pandemic.
Danny Kistner
Fire Chief
Where to find vaccines
Residents can visit the Texas Department of State Health Services to find vaccine providers. Here are additional methods to find the vaccine:
• Text your ZIP code to find the vaccine, childcare, and free rides to clinics to:
o GETVAX (438829) for English
o VACUNA (822862) for Spanish
• Call 1-833-832-7067 (toll-free) for a referral to a local vaccine provider
o The call center is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
o Spanish language and other translators are available to help callers.
• Call the national vaccine finder hotline toll free at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)