CLAY COUNTY – The world’s top scientists believe that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is here to stay and likely to become the dominant strain.

The variant of the virus is seemingly more harmful and tougher to handle when infected, but vaccine makers Moderna and Pfizer have already come out to say that their vaccine’s effectiveness only dips a couple of percentage points when up against the Delta variant. We asked Clay Today readers what their thoughts are on the Delta variant for this week’s Facebook Question of the Week and for the most part, minds aren’t changed.

Those who wear masks still say they’ll continue to do so. Those that don’t fear COVID-19 said the Delta variant won’t change their routines, either.

“I’m not at all concerned about the contrarians that choose not to get vaccinated,” Lee Smith said. “I am concerned about us not reaching herd immunity, rising ICU numbers, and potential health care cost increases. I am more anxious about crowds than I have been and I will certainly cancel my cruise in January if the cruise line is not allowed to take precautions.”

Others, however, still view COVID-19 as something not to be feared. Mildred Besco said she isn’t worried about COVID-19, and she feels she’s being lied to in regards to it. Frances Serrano-Iriarte said they feel the way COVID-19 deaths are handled is wrong, citing that they knew someone who killed themself and had their death listed as COVID-19.

More than a dozen others that responded to this week’s Facebook Question of the Week simply said “no” when asked if they’re worried about the Delta variant. It’s unclear if these people are not worried because they’re vaccinated or not worried because they think otherwise.

Teresa Sanday said she’s concerned about her grandchildren as they aren’t old enough to get vaccinated yet. She said Clay County is on the lower end in terms of vaccination numbers – the latest COVID-19 numbers reveal that less than half of Clay County is vaccinated – and she will be vigilant with herself and her grandchildren while they’re visiting for a few weeks.

Penny Ruller said she hasn’t been worried about COVID-19 once and still isn’t worried, even with the onset of the Delta variant.

What to you think of the Delta variant? If you’re vaccinated, are you concerned or interested in a booster vaccine shot? If you’re unvaccinated, does the Delta variant have you rethinking your decision. Let us know by responding to last week’s Facebook Question of the Week and be sure to follow the official Clay Today Newspaper page so you don’t miss this week’s Facebook Question of the Week.