All articles tagged with #covid cases
Covid cases are rising across 27 U.S. states this summer, driven by the dominant Omicron offshoot N.B.1.8.1, with experts suggesting a potential small surge. While new vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 strain are expected in fall mainly for high-risk groups, current population immunity may help prevent severe illness, and high-risk individuals are advised to consider vaccination and indoor masking.
Covid cases are rising across more than half of the U.S. with the dominant variant being N.B.1.8.1, but hospitalization rates remain low. Updated vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 strain are expected in the fall, primarily for high-risk groups. Experts suggest high-risk individuals consider vaccination and precautions, while healthy adults may wait. The summer surge is expected to be small, with potential waves in late fall and winter.
Kerala health minister Veena George reassured the public that the situation is under control as the state reported 265 fresh Covid cases, including the JN.1 variant. The minister stated that the transmissibility of the variant is higher, but the severity is less. Experts have found no evidence suggesting increased severity or complications. The health ministry has not made RT-PCR tests mandatory at airports yet, but all states and Union Territories have been alerted to be prepared. JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the omicron variant with enhanced immune-evasion properties, but it does not exhibit new or severe symptoms.
Health officials are warning Thanksgiving travelers of an increase in COVID, flu, and RSV cases in the Bay Area, with expectations of surges during the holiday season. The new variant HV.1 is a concern, particularly for unvaccinated individuals. Masks are recommended at airports, where passenger traffic is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels. Free COVID test kits can be delivered to homes to prepare for the winter surge.
The director of the CDC, Dr Mandy Cohen, has recommended wearing masks during the holiday season, even as Covid cases continue to decline. She emphasized the importance of masking up while traveling or gathering with loved ones, as well as getting the latest Covid vaccine. Despite the decrease in cases, a significant number of Americans are refusing to get updated vaccines. Dr Cohen, who has vaccinated herself and her family, urged people to consider their personal risk factors and take necessary precautions.
Los Angeles County Public Health officials announced that Covid cases have doubled in the past few weeks, with a daily average of about 571 cases. While no immediate changes in recommendations or requirements were announced, Barbara Ferrer, Director of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, stated that she is not comfortable ruling out the possibility of mask mandates in the future. Temporary mask mandates are currently being implemented at workplaces experiencing outbreaks, and they usually last until the outbreak is contained.
Samaritan Health facilities in Watertown, New York, including the hospital, clinics, and nursing homes, will reinstate a mask mandate starting Friday due to an increase in Covid cases. While a county-wide mask mandate is not expected, health officials emphasize the effectiveness of wearing masks and encourage people to protect themselves from respiratory diseases. Lewis County Health System has no plans to change its current mask policy, while St. Lawrence County Public Health officials recommend staying up to date with vaccines.
COVID cases are increasing in the Bay Area and California, with the state's positivity test rate rising to over 13% from around 3% at the start of the summer. The daily average of hospitalizations has also climbed. However, the dominant variants in this current surge are the ones targeted by the new vaccine expected to be available by mid-September.
Monroe County in New York has experienced a small surge in COVID cases, with approximately 30 to 35 patients being admitted to hospitals in the Rochester area. Doctors are urging citizens to stay aware of the situation and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.
Crawford County in Ohio is experiencing a slight increase in reported Covid cases, although comparisons with past outbreaks are challenging due to changes in reporting procedures. While hospitals and nursing facilities continue to report cases, individuals and employers may not be upholding the same standards. It is important to adhere to preventative measures such as handwashing, social distancing, and wearing masks in public spaces. Some medical offices and facilities may still require mask usage, and Covid-19 tests are available at the Crawford County Health Department.
UMass Memorial in Worcester has reinstated a mask mandate for staff when interacting with patients due to a "dramatic increase" in COVID-19 positive employees, which has led to exposures of both caregivers and patients. The hospital may extend the mandate to anyone entering the building if the trend continues. The CDC reports a 21.6% increase in new hospitalizations nationwide and is monitoring a highly mutated COVID variant called BA.2.86 that could contribute to further spread.
The Dane County Jail in Wisconsin has suspended in-person visitation and programming due to a high number of Covid cases among its residents. Currently, there are 49 Covid-positive residents who are isolated in separate cellblocks and housing units. Attorneys are still allowed to visit with mandatory masking. The jail provides medical staff on-site to treat residents, and those with severe symptoms are sent to the hospital. Face masks, rapid testing, and vaccinations are being offered to all staff and residents.
Atlanta's Morris Brown College has reinstated its mask mandate for all faculty, staff, and students due to a rise in positive COVID-19 cases on campus. The mandate includes protocols such as mask wearing, physical distancing, and regular hand washing/sanitization.
The Eris variant of COVID-19 is contributing to an increase in cases in Georgia, according to health officials. The variant, which is believed to be more transmissible, has led to a rise in COVID cases in the state, prompting concerns about public health.