How we can have a fun, safe Memorial Day and summer

The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for individuals who have been fully vaccinated provides a well-earned sense of relief for many after 15 months.

Fully vaccinated status means two weeks after your dose of Johnson & Johnson or two weeks after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

However, there isn’t a crystal ball for every scenario of our day-to-day lives, so we’ll try and provide you the resources you need as we continue to return to normal - because that’s what Beebe Healthcare is here to do for this community, its visitors and its workers.

When do I still need to wear a mask?

For fully vaccinated individuals, the CDC says we should still wear masks in crowded settings, including on public transit, planes, in schools, healthcare facilities and congregate settings like prison facilities and homeless shelters. Gov. John Carney recently announced this change to masking guidelines that went into effect May 21 in Delaware.

So continue to wear a face covering when coming in for a routine primary care visit, or to get blood work or when visiting any Beebe Healthcare location. The team will still be masked for everyone’s safety.

One of the main drivers of this guidance change is that data shows these vaccines are safe and show real-world effectiveness. It is still important to continue to monitor for any COVID-like symptoms. If not feeling well, wear a mask and get tested. Having that knowledge empowers everyone to protect others and themselves.

Lastly, some people may have a weakened immune system or take medications that suppress the immune system. Talk to healthcare providers, as it may be best to continue wearing a mask in certain situations.

Why is this still important?

There are ongoing things epidemiologists are still learning about SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. More data needs to be collected until it is fully understood how effective vaccines are against variants of the virus. Early data shows the vaccines work against some variants but could be less effective against others.

Additionally, the science community does not know yet how long the vaccines can protect people, and how well the vaccines protect people with weakened immune systems. This includes those who take immunosuppressive medications, according to the CDC.

So I don’t need a mask; how can I still keep myself and everyone safe?

As it has been important since the start of the pandemic, testing is a crucial aspect to understand virus spread and now vaccine effectiveness.

Beebe now offers rapid antigen COVID-19 testing at Walk-In Care locations conveniently located in Rehoboth, Millville, Millsboro and Georgetown.

Schedule these appointments ahead of time online, too, making the process even easier. Learn more at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling. Maybe those getting ready to leave on vacation, or feeling unwell, or going to see someone who is more vulnerable to COVID-19, now can find out quickly if infected and take steps to protect oneself and others.

Getting your vaccine is easier than ever

Just like scheduling a walk-in care visit, rapid test or virtual telemedicine visit, Beebe has availability for COVID-19 vaccinations through the online scheduling portal. Pick the time and location, and they are able to provide Pfizer vaccines to ages 12 and up.

Or, stop by the bookmobile vaccine clinic, which is traveling throughout lower Delaware to provide vaccines. This mobile vaccine clinic is a great example of community partnerships and is made possible by Beebe Healthcare, Sussex County Libraries and Sussex County EMS to provide vaccines on the road. To learn where the bookmobile will be, go to beebehealthcare.org/calendar/screeningclinic.

There are many resources throughout Delaware that can help. Check out the Division of Public Health’s website or Beebe’s vaccine webpage. Or, just call the COVID line, 302-645-3200, and they will answer questions and concerns.

Here for your health

Beebe is here for Sussex County. We’ve added more than 55 providers since the start of the pandemic to improve access to care. Last year, we opened the South Coastal Health Campus on Route 17 near Millville, which features a second comprehensive cancer center and emergency department.

We’ve provided more than 55,000 COVID-19 tests and 40,000 vaccines and counting to Sussex County. We’re ready to do more until we can call this pandemic fully over.

We thank you for the privilege of serving you, and we feel your gratitude, too. We were honored to be named 2020 Business of the Year by the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce. Many of our team members still wear masks made by our local sewing community. Our patients have expressed gratitude through articles, gifts, and letters, and our donors continue to believe in Beebe.

All of this makes it our honor to be the healthcare provider for Sussex County. So, thank you, and let’s keeping doing what keeps everyone safe and loving life in our little part of Southern Delaware.