All articles tagged with #precautions
Philadelphia residents prepared for a winter storm with increased supplies of salt, shovels, and ice melt as sleet and snow blanketed the city, leading to several accidents and city efforts to maintain safe travel conditions.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for 36 counties in New York, including NYC, as a major snowstorm is expected to bring 4-8 inches of snow, with localized amounts up to a foot, along with strong winds and potential power outages, prompting residents to take safety precautions and avoid unnecessary travel.
A bat found in Orange tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to advise residents to avoid contact with wild animals, vaccinate pets, and seek medical attention if exposed, as rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
The 'Stratus' COVID variant is contributing to a seasonal increase in cases in the U.S., with symptoms similar to previous strains such as fatigue, sore throat, and congestion. Experts advise testing, vaccination, and preventive measures like mask-wearing to reduce risk, especially for high-risk groups, amid ongoing concerns about underreported cases and new variants.
COVID-19 cases are rising in Hawaii, prompting the Department of Health to advise vaccinations, staying home when sick, wearing masks, and practicing good hygiene to curb the spread of the virus.
COVID-19 cases may rise again this summer, but current levels are low and vaccines, masking, and good ventilation remain key protections. The main variants are NB. 1.8.1 and XFG, with symptoms varying widely. Vaccines still offer protection, especially for vulnerable groups, and testing remains effective. Precautions include good ventilation, masking when necessary, and staying home when sick. Treatments like antivirals are recommended for high-risk individuals.
Covid-19 cases are rising in the U.S., with a 23.5% increase in emergency visits and high viral activity in wastewater. Dr. Leana Wen advises that while many can continue their normal lives, vulnerable individuals should take extra precautions. Rapid tests are still useful, and a new vaccine is expected soon. Those infected should follow CDC guidelines and consider the health of those around them.
State health officials in Michigan are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after mosquitos in Saginaw County tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, which can cause severe brain and spinal cord diseases. Residents are advised to use EPA-approved insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water around their homes.
A recent HarrisX poll found that despite the official declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic ending nearly a year ago, 58% of respondents believe it is ongoing, with young adults aged 18-34 being the most likely to take extra precautions. The survey also revealed that COVID-19 closures and restrictions have negatively impacted the mental health of more than half of those polled, particularly women. While public health officials liken COVID-19 to a seasonal endemic, some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems, remain concerned about finding the right balance between protective measures and resuming normal activities.
The University of Connecticut has implemented precautions to prevent a repeat of the violence and vandalism that followed the school's 2023 NCAA men's basketball championship, including removing aluminum light posts, limiting the size of campus watch parties, and increasing safety presence with university, state, and local police coordination. These measures come after 39 people were arrested and 16 were injured during the celebrations last year, prompting the expulsion of six students. Despite these precautions, watch parties during the men's and women's Final Four games did not report any major problems.
Wind gusts up to 100 mph in the Foothills and 75 mph in Denver prompt a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day, leading Xcel Energy to preemptively shut off power to around 55,000 customers in Colorado to protect public safety. Outages are likely to occur due to the wind, with Xcel reporting 152 outages affecting nearly 57,000 customers. Customers are advised to prepare for outages and take precautions, including putting together an outage kit, protecting computers from surges, keeping devices charged, and knowing what to do if encountering a downed power line.
Bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus, has caused outbreaks in wild birds and commercial poultry supply in the U.S., with a rare human infection reported in Texas. The risk to the public remains low, and the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation. Precautions include avoiding direct contact with wild birds and sick animals, and those working closely with animals are at higher risk. The commercial milk and meat supply is considered safe, and cooking to a safe internal temperature kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu.
San Antonio doctors urge continued precautions against respiratory viruses as positive cases have peaked in the area and across the country, despite a potential decline as spring approaches. The CDC's updated guidelines no longer require isolation for mild COVID-19 cases, but doctors emphasize the importance of ongoing safety practices such as handwashing and staying home when sick to mitigate the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Norway is bracing for its most powerful storm in three decades as hurricane-force winds are expected to hit the central Atlantic coast, prompting authorities to issue red warnings for the area. Named "Ingunn" by Norwegian meteorologists, the storm is expected to disrupt air and sea travel, leading to the suspension of ferry services and closures of schools, roads, tunnels, and bridges. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and consider working from home to avoid unnecessary travel.
A rare shark attack by a bull shark in Sydney Harbour has prompted calls for swimmers to avoid the water at dawn and dusk when the aggressive sharks are most active. The victim, identified as Lauren O’Neill, was attacked while kayaking near a private pier, but received prompt assistance from witnesses. Despite the frequency of bull shark visits to the harbor, officials believe the risks are low if people take precautions such as swimming in the right places and during daylight hours. Experts warn that climate change may lead to longer stays by bull sharks in the region's coastal and harbor areas.