Rise of Delta variant of COVID-19 increases need for vaccinations Share Amid a recent rise in the Delta variant of COVID-19, the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) and state health officials are urging those who are unvaccinated to reconsider the decision. The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19 and its variants. In the case of infection, it greatly reduced the risk of hospitalization or death. The Delta variant is the most dominant variant in Washoe County—and across the country. Health officials said most people hospitalized with the Delta variant are unvaccinated. WCHD and its community partners will be holding several vaccination events this week.