October 1, 2021
10/01/2021 - Hope & Caution
An update from Fire Chief Danny Kistner
McKinney employees,
Cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant appear to have peaked and are trending down. Fire Department Covid-19 responses are down as well. This is encouraging news, and we are hopeful the downward trend continues, providing much-needed relief to a stressed healthcare system and community. We can surmise several contributing factors to the downward trend, including more of the population becoming immunized, more of the population developing antibodies from exposure, and more of the population returning to face coverings.
However, we are cautioned not to become complacent, as the likelihood of those not vaccinated or exposed to Covid-19 are still at risk of becoming infected at some point. The Delta variant is highly communicable and is not going away. 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.
I continue to encourage you to consult your health care professional and receive the vaccination if not otherwise contraindicated. Far too many accepted the risk of exposure and perished or continue to suffer from Covid-19 long-term. The FDA formally approved the Pfizer product for initial vaccination, as well as a booster for those over 65 and at high risk or immunocompromised. Remember, complications from the vaccine are rare.
Once vaccinated, a breakthrough exposure may occur. Symptoms may be absent, minor, or severe (though severe enough to require hospitalization is extremely rare). Whichever the case, the severity is likely lessened if one is vaccinated. Data consistently supports most hospitalizations and fatalities are from unvaccinated individuals.
If you continue to have doubts regarding the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, please do not rely on the opinions of “celebrity doctors,” social media pundits, political posturing, or break-room hearsay. Your primary care provider or healthcare professional is the best source of up-to-date, scientific data. Your life or those close to you are not worth the risk of depending on flawed or skewed data.
The Executive Leadership Team is evaluating the feasibility of providing a mobile vaccination clinic for employees who have not had the opportunity to receive the vaccine. The mobile clinic would post at specific locations for a limited time. More information on this clinic will be coming soon.
We can still take care of one another by staying home if ill. Please be considerate and don’t unnecessarily jeopardize others. Consult your primary 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