The last week has seen an 11% increase in cases in the US while case numbers rise at a much greater rate in most other parts of the world.
Lagging behind by ~ 2 weeks, hospitalizations and deaths in the US are also on the rise by about 4% and 3% respectively. And we have not even started to see the post-March break surge which is undoubtedly headed our way.
In addition, serious cases and hospitalizations are occuring in younger and younger people, including children.
WHY? Variant SARS-Cov-2 viruses and irresponsible delusional behavior.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the variant viruses are major players in most of the rest of the world accounting for as much as 80% of new cases.
These viruses are 60-70% more infectious, especially in kids, cause 60% more significant disease which translates into more hospitalizations and death and are also not as well covered by our present vaccines.
We are seeing more cases in younger people because most older people are already vaccinated and their behavior continues to be more responsible. Younger people are partying like it’s 1999. Clubs are packed. People are eating in full restaurants. Masks are becoming more and more scarce.Crossfit gyms are filled.
Relaxing governmental policies are not helping either. Making masks optional and increasing the capacity rules for public spaces is giving people licence to go back to “normal”.
CDC director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, gave a near tearful plea about continuing to be careful and expressed grave concern that we are on the verge of a new outbreak.
This is not a reason to be hopeless however, just more vigilant. We CAN control this but we need to control ourselves. Get vaccinated and continue to be vigilant with precautionary behaviors.
Can you get together with some family for the upcoming holidays, sure, but it depends. If everyone is vaccinated, that would be safer but you STILL need to keep the numbers down. Continue to ventilate rooms well. Continue to mask if there is any concern. Be careful who you get together with and how many are involved. If your best friend is very careful but their teen is a truant, maybe you need to continue to keep some distance. It’s better than nothing.We have no option but to do all we can to keep this under control and the vaccines are not the answer. They are a BIG part of the solution but so is responsible, careful and unselfish behavior.
PLease hold out a little more and keep doing the things we know are necessary and safe.
VACCINATE!
MASK UP. Even after vaccination.
DISTANCE. 3 feet is NOT enough, espetially in unknown situations.
WASH your hands, sanitize and stop touching your face.
VENTILATE.
GET HEALTHY. You have an opportunity to get better. Physically, mentaly, socially… Just Do IT!
Stay Safe and Be Well.
AC