Appy manager urges COVID caution

Appalachia Town Manager Fred Luntsford is asking people to take all available precautions against the delta variant of COVID-19.

“If you can become vaccinated, do so for your own protection and your family’s protection,” wrote Luntsford on the town’s Facebook page.

“Statistics indicate that unvaccinated people are at a much higher risk of contracting the virus and becoming severely ill, though vaccinated people have become infected as well,” said Luntsford.

He urged those who are immunocompromised, older and those who have preexisting conditions to be more conscientious about the delta variant, as it is more contagious than previous variants.

“My opinion is that having the vaccine is a better option than not,” wrote Luntsford. “It is a matter of choice and multiple circumstances can enter into the equations when the decision is being made.”

Luntsford stated that in June, the World Health Organization recommended that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public. “Again this becomes your choice,” Luntsford wrote, adding, “My position is that it is better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to this virus.”

He stated that he would be making protocol decisions for town employees on a daily basis for now.

Luntsford also stressed the idea of being “hygienically conscious.” stating, “think of all the things you touch out in the public every day.” Luntsford named social distancing and hand washing as “bigger and better” solutions to prevent community spread.