COVID NEWS: new treatments available, mask changes, 58% exposed
The Lyons Recorder aims to give you all the information you need in one place — saving you time and effort searching it all out on your own! We call it “one-stop-shopping”
CDC says that approximately 58% of Americans have had COVID, that’s at least 3 out of 5 people. They have COVID antibodies protection; but it usually dissipates. NOTE: it does prevent you from getting hospitalized or dying; but does not prevent getting “long term” COVID affects, like foggy brain or headaches.
In December about 30% of people were exposed to the virus, and by February 58%, due to Omicron. 75% of kids have been exposed. Only 33% in those 65 and older (good job! in keeping your masks on!)
“I definitely expected that we were going to see an increase continue … but I didn’t expect it to increase quite this much,” lead study researcher Kristin E.N. Clarke, MD, said during a CDC media briefing Tuesday.
Deaths, fortunately, are continuing to trend downward with a 7-day average of about 300 per day. Hospitalizations are showing a slow upward trend. Genomic sequencing continues to show the predominance of the Omicron variant.
MASKS on PLANES/BUSES – The Justice Department said last week that it would appeal the judge’s ruling stating that the CDC had overstepped its authority and masks were no longer required, but for now, masks are optional on planes. SOME airports have removed the requirement, but carry one with you just in case. Passengers will no longer have to wear masks inside of Denver International Airport, or on most flights. Riders on the Colorado Regional Transportation District’s buses and trains no longer must wear a mask onboard or while waiting at stations.
BOULDER COUNTY MASKS:
As of Feb. 18, 2022, Boulder County Public Health’s two public health orders requiring masks in public indoor spaces and in schools have expired. == There may be circumstances where you will still be required to wear a mask, mainly by the facility, such as a nursing home. While individuals may choose which type of mask they wear BCPH strongly recommends all individuals wear a snugly-fit N95, KN95, KF94 or equivalent. The best mask is the mask that is snugly fit and made of multi-layer, non-woven materials, regardless of any regulatory designation. These types of masks protect the wearer, as well as others. == Our library in Lyons has free masks available in its lobby, both the N95 and the surgical masks.
FEWER REPORTS AVAILABLE:
This week, Pennsylvania will be the latest state to switch from daily to weekly updates, leaving just six states that will still be reporting new Covid-19 cases every day. Covid-19 data reporting is becoming less frequent, making trends harder to track. shift that some experts worry might hinder efforts to mitigate outbreaks. Colorado reports Monday thru Friday. Go here for more details https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/state-reporting-frequencies
NEED CONGRESS FUNDING:
Because of the stalemate in Congress to fund further treatments, The Administration has not been able to commit to placing orders for more medical needs to fight COVID-19. Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong have all placed orders for treatments and vaccine doses that the U.S. can’t yet commit to, according to the White House.
== Also, if we don’t help send free vaccines to poor nations, the virus will continue to grow there, and more sub-variants are likely to grow.
Let your congressman know your feelings and reasoning.
KIDS:
==KIDS 3rd Dose: The 3rd dose is 40% effective but better than none, and they have had no hospitalization with cases where the kid got that dose.
==Pediatric shot: The efficacy of the proposed Moderna vaccine was 43.7% in children 6 months to 2 years old, and 37.5% for those up to 6 years. No severe cases of COVID-19 were reported in the tests. In tests, 14 to 17% of children had fevers of 100.4 degrees, which are consistent with other commonly used and recommended pediatric vaccines.
==REMDESIVIR: KIDS UNDER 12 == The first TREATMENT for kids under 12, and as young as 28 DAYS! has been approved. See your doctor for more info. The number of COVID cases in kids has gone up 43% in two weeks!
TREATMENTS:
4/26/22 – The White House is announcing plans to make the antiviral drug Paxlovid more widely available — and free. Dr. David Agus says the pill, which has been shown to reduce hospitalization or death in people with COVID by 90%, could “allow us to live with the virus.”
“Test & Treat” – remember we told you earlier this month about the new government plan to allow people to get a test and get treated at the same site, on the same day? The White House is working out the kinks on it, and was able to expand access to PAXLOVID at 40,000 pharmacists and clinics. Currently it is available to those at high risk (of all ages). A call center 1-800-232-0233 is available every day from 8:00 am to midnight ET to get help in more than 150 other languages.
CHINA:
I’ve been telling you about how China has “locked down” millions of its citizens because of its “ZERO COVID” program. In Shanghai (4/24/22) 25 million were shut down for three weeks, but food is starting to run out, as well as space to put those affected. Those sick people must check in to a government facility, which is currently a converted convention center.
==This is not a medical recommendation. See your doctor for advice and treatment. ==