WORCESTER, Mass. - Since July 1, Reliant Medical group says they've see a steady increase in the number of patients getting COVID-19 tests.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thad Schilling, says the delta Variant is concerning, as it is more contagious and the risk of unvaccinated people getting it is higher. Dr. Schilling says whether you are vaccinated or not, testing is important because there are measures which can be taken to reduce the spread of the virus if you are infected including masking and social distancing.
Dr. Schilling says vaccinated people can become infected with the virus, but says vaccination reduces the risk of serious COVID-19 illness, and says the risk of hospitalization and death are just about zero.
"Those of us who can be vaccinated and have full protection will help stop the spread of COVID-19, so I'd just like to underscore the importance of vaccination for all," said Dr. Schilling.
Reliant Medical group offers COVID tests to their patients only.