Omicron (B.1.1.529) is dominating the news. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Nov. 26 issued a “variant of concern” notice, and followed up on Monday, Nov. 29, with a “very high risk warning,” based on early indications, saying the mutations could lead to surges with “severe consequences.”
On Thursday, data from South Africa showed that Omicron was now the most dominant strain in the country and is driving a sharp increase in new infections. Some 11,500 new Covid infections were registered in the latest daily figures, which is a sharp rise on the 8,500 cases confirmed the previous day. By contrast, daily infections were averaging between 200 and 300 in mid-November.
Scientists in South Africa say the risk of infection by the omicron variant is at least three times higher than from variants such as beta and delta, according to a pre print study published Thursday. Statistical analysis of some 2.8 million positive coronavirus samples, 35,670 of which were suspected to be reinfections, led researchers to conclude that the omicron mutation has a “substantial ability to evade immunity from prior infection.”
Though South
Africa alerted the world to Omicron, it appeared earlier in The Netherlands,
France and Japan. It is unclear when or where this new variant arose but it’s
been in circulation for weeks now. The United States announced its first case
on Wednesday and by Friday (Dec. 3), the variant has been detected in California,
Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and New
York. You can follow the path of this variant at Map: Tracking the Omicron Variant
While data from South Africa indicates symptoms are mild, there appears to be a high rate of reinfection for those who should have immunity from previous infection and/or vaccination. In Norway, there has been an outbreak of Omicron among those who attended a Christmas party, all of whom had been vaccinated and tested negative before the party. Out of 120 people, close to half are thought to have Omicron, representing the largest outbreak outside of S. Africa. As in S. Africa, symptoms are mild. However, in both places, those infected are young.
In the next few weeks more will be known about this new variant, including how much protection the current vaccinations provide; transmissability; severity; and whether it will replace Delta as the dominant variant of Covid. As it is, the Delta variant is in a post-Thanksgiving surge in the United States,
Basic Prevention Strategies Work: We
can learn a lot from the Flu Pandemic of 1918, which actually extended to 1920.
The public health recommendations of that day made a major difference. Research in 2007 showed that those cities who implemented multiple strategies (masking,
social distancing, frequent hand washing, quarantine etc.) early and kept them
in place longer had better, less deadly outcomes
The United States has been so focused on vaccines, the "go withs" have not been reinforced. Being vaccinated and boosted is extremely important. Along with it, continue to practice the following:
• Masking (research shows that mask mandates reduce incidence in communities by 53%) Check out “Mask Hacks” to learn more about which ones to use, how to wear them and how to make them as comfortable as possible. Note, be careful in taking off your mask and wash hands after doing so with soap and water on hand sanitizer.
• Frequent and easy testing: The Biden Administration on Thursday announced as part of its strategy to end Covid, the expansion of rapid home antigen testing that would be free of charge. Starting in January, insurance will be required to cover the cost of rapid over the counter tests. Guidance on how this will work is due by Jan. 15. In the meantime, the President says to save your receipts for future reimbursement. Note The new policy doesn’t apply to people covered by Medicare or Medicaid. The Administration has doubled the 25 million rapid tests sent in September to places like community health centers in an effort to reach those that are often the most vulnerable-the poor and the elderly. Some states are distributing the tests for free. Check to see what your state’s health department may be offering. Currently to get a rapid over the counter test it will be an out of pocket expense.
• Social Distance Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people
• Clean your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice) or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces: Open windows and doors to the outside to increase ventilation.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are taking care of someone who is ill, mask, uses gloves and follow the CDC guidelines.
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces daily. If someone is sick or has tested positive for COVID-19, disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Limit in-person shopping: There are now many websites, from Amazon to Walmart, that allow you to order on line and either have items delivered or you can arrange for pick up service. Many local stores let you call and place an order, with some doing delivery. Even places like Walmart will take on-line orders that you can then drive by and they’ll put it in the trunk for you. Take full advantage of these services for the holidays and year round.
• Limit social gatherings
How to help others stay safe
• Tis' the season of giving so consider including masks and rapid tests in Christmas stockings. Check to see if your local community groups could use help in stocking masks, hand sanitizer, rapid tests and make a donation accordingly.
• Have masks, hand sanitizer readily available for anyone who stops by. If you can afford to do it, have rapid tests on hand so if you do have a gathering, people are able to test themselves.
• Support your community in implementing mask mandates and other prevention measures
• Support your local restaurants by ordering to go
• Donate to your local food pantry
• If you are able, donate blood
• Check on neighbors and family members. For those that are home bound, offer to drop off books, art supplies etc. A friendly phone call, followed up with a drop off of items to entertain will be appreciated.
• Support the front line workers through donations (gift cards for gas, food etc. are very helpful), help with chores they might not have time (e.g. shoveling side walk) and letters of support thanking them for their service.
• Don’t pass on incorrect information: Social media is awash with memes that often provide incorrect information. Use reputable sources, such as the CDC, when passing on Covid information.
• Stay informed and stay calm: Read, watch or listen enough to know what’s going on but don’t obsess about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment