Mayor's Message: The New Face of Covid-19
As the holiday festivities wind down and we begin to settle in for the new year, what can we expect for 2022? To use a trite expression – this is “déjà vu” all over again, perhaps round three. By now most of us have expected that the pandemic is in our rear view mirror. However, we are now facing the raging Omicron variant which spreads more easily and faster than the other variants. This new onslaught is causing a significant strain to health care and hospital facilities. Most urgent care facilities are already overwhelmed as long lines are commonplace. Covid testing kits are unavailable now in many places for home testing.
Breakthrough infections are likely to occur in people who are fully vaccinated. In addition, due to the changed genetic makeup of Omicron, some treatments may now be less effective for providing full protection. As we know, viral strains will always transform through a mutation process with the end result- a new emergent strain.
New CDC Guidelines
Everyone 5 years and older should get fully vaccinated.
Everyone 18 years and older should get the booster shot at least 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine or 6 months after the twin vaccine series ( Pfizer or Moderna ).
Masks should be worn in all indoor public settings in substantial or high community settings.
Recommendations for isolation/ quarantine with those who tested positive with Covid are now reduced from 10 to 5 days. The science reveals that viral infection of transmission occurrence starts early in the course of the illness (generally 1-2 days prior to symptoms and 2-3 days after the symptoms ).
Unvaccinated individuals or those without receiving a second dose after 6 months or 2 months after the J&J vaccine or not yet boosted, the CDC recommends quarantine for 5 days. Those with the booster need not quarantine following exposure. The CDC recommends however that a Covid test should be performed thereafter. With the occurrence of symptoms, immediately quarantine followed by a Covid test. Retesting should be done until a negative result is achieved.
Blame Human Nature and Social importance
Researchers generally agree that social interaction is vital to the human condition. This characteristic feature is essential to every aspect of our health-emotionally, physically and psychologically. Having a strong network of support of family and community bonds promotes physical and emotional health necessary in our lives. Yes, this is what the holidays are yielding.
For the new year, let’s hope that all our personal challenges will only last as long as our New Year’s resolutions.
May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, prosperity, comfort and love.
Mayor John L. Madden