Covid for Christmas?

As+the+2022+holiday+season+quickly+rolls+around+and+most+will+be+spending+their+break+with+friends+and+family%2C+it+is+crucial+to+recognize+that+Covid-19+is+not+completely+obsolete.

Volodymyr Hryshchenko via unsplash.com

As the 2022 holiday season quickly rolls around and most will be spending their break with friends and family, it is crucial to recognize that Covid-19 is not completely obsolete.

As the 2022 holiday season quickly rolls around and most will be spending their break with friends and family, it is crucial to recognize that Covid-19 is not completely obsolete.

As of December 10, 2022, there is a daily average of 891 reported cases, 838 hospitalizations, and ten deaths in Maryland. This statistic is a 45 percent increase from the reported cases and a 138 percent increase from the deaths reported two weeks prior. This uptick in cases has become a concern for some.

As a comparison, at the same time, in 2021, there was a daily average of around 12,000 cases. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor of President Biden, we currently have “enough community protection that we’re not going to see a repeat of what we saw last year at this time.” We have come a long way as a state and a nation regarding general safety and well-being regarding the pandemic.”

It is important to abide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. While they have recognized protection tools like vaccinations, boosters, and treatments as some of the best ways to prevent Covid-19, they continue to promote the precautions we are highly familiar with. For example, if experiencing symptoms of illness or exposure to the virus, you should test for Covid-19 at home or in a nearby testing facility. A five to ten-day quarantine based on symptom improvement and proper masking procedures is highly recommended if that test is positive.

In addition to Covid-19, there is a rise in Influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection (RSV), causing an increase in hospitalizations throughout the USA. Mask mandates remain in hospitals, congregate sites, and any private businesses or organizations that require them.

Masking, vaccinations, moderating sizes of social gatherings, and maintaining hygienic practices remain the most recommended ways to stay safe and healthy for the remainder of 2022 into the new year.

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/maryland-covid-cases.html
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0811-covid-guidance.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/09/nyregion/nyc-covid-indoor-masks.html