New weekly cases again pass 600k, 34 rise: COVID update
The US recovery from the delta variant spike reduced the rate of new infections to less than 500,000 cases per week at the end of October. Currently, the number of cases is above 600,000 per week and is increasing in 34 states, a US TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows.
These numbers are not close to January, when weekly infections peaked at 1.7 million. But the recovery from one wave has reversed into another, more than six months after a free, safe, effective vaccine became widely available to all adults. The US again reports an average of more than 1 case per second.
People who have not been immunized are still at greatest risk of infection. The good news is that 80% of Americans 12 years of age and older have received at least one coronavirus vaccine.
Melissa Nolan, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, told USA TODAY that seasonal flu infections increase the risk of winter illness.
“Sadly, this virus will never leave our society,” Nolan said. “To help reduce the spread as we enter this next winter respiratory illness season, it is paramount that Americans get both their booster shot and the flu shot.”
Also in the news:
►A global study has shown that the most effective public health measure to tackle and prevent COVID-19 is wearing a mask, which reduces the incidence of the disease by 53%.
► New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said she believes Full vaccinations including boosters, dodging federal guidance that currently defines those as people taking two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.
►The Department of Defense will send medical teams to two major hospitals in Minnesota to relieve the doctors and nurses who are being carried away by the growing wave of COVID-19 patients, Governor Tim Walz announced.
📈Today’s Number: The United States has recorded more than 47 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 767,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Global total: More than 255 million cases and 5 million deaths. More than 195 million Americans – 58% of the population – are fully immunized, According to CDC.
📘What we are reading: The pandemic has spurred many workers re-evaluate their lives and the role work plays for them, causing some people to set new boundaries, find new jobs, or maintain the side hustle has helped them get through shutdowns and layoffs. Several workers shared their stories with USA TODAY.
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Florida digs deep against the mission
With Republicans promoting individual liberties and Democrats condemning the special session called by Governor Ron DeSantis as a political stunt, Florida lawmakers approved measures intended to prevent any vaccine or testing mission. The Republican-controlled state legislature completed work Wednesday night on a package of bills that would both challenge the Biden administration’s vaccine or testing requirements for larger businesses and prevent it. Local governments issue such standards.
DeSantis urged lawmakers to return to the Capitol primarily to fight the White House in what Democrats have denounced as a political game aimed at enhancing the governor’s national image and asserting his support. for the Chinese who refused to be vaccinated. Republicans disagree.
“Today we are doing something to protect everyone’s rights,” said Representative Cord Byrd, R-Neptune Beach. “We are a legislature and the governor believes in individual rights, including liberties. It is not a word puzzle game. It’s not a stuntman.”
– John Kennedy, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Governor Lee Tells NYPD, LAPD Officials: Come to Tennessee, No Vaccination Duty
Governor Bill Lee released a video trying persuade officers to join the Tennessee Highway Patrol because it doesn’t have any coronavirus related missions. In Video 71 seconds released to YouTube, Lee said the Tennessee Highway Patrol “won’t come between you and your doctor”. Earlier this month, Lee signed a new state law banning mandatory vaccinations and limiting the time it takes to enact mask regulations.
Lee specifically mentions New York City and Los Angeles in the video. New York requires police officers and sheriffs to be immunized against COVID-19; Los Angeles offers a trial option.
– Adam Friedman, Nashville Tennessee
A booster dose for all may be recommended within a few days
Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize COVID-19 today shot booster for anyone who wants one and at least six months after their first vaccination. Vaccines play a very good role in preventing hospitalization and death, but their protection against infection begins to fade after about six months – even in young, healthy people. That’s why a booster dose may be recommended for all adults — or at least those over 30. Ted Ross, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Georgia in Athens, who recently repeated injections himself, said the US government had bought too many such doses. long ago, many things will go to waste if they are not used soon.
“That’s what the boosters could do to help reduce the increase or increase that we’re going to see this winter,” when people travel and spend more time indoors, Ross said. “That peak or that slope hopefully won’t be too steep.”
– Karen Weintraub
Vaccine or trial rules: Are they worth the cost?
Vaccine or trial work rules are proving to be a costly compromise for governments. Virginia’s corrections department requires unvaccinated employees working in crowded environments to check every three days, and for the rest, every seven days. The department spent nearly $7,000 testing 442 employees over two days in October. The state is tapping into federal COVID relief funds to pay for the test.
Securing a scarce test supply can also be difficult. Virginia State Police had to wait more than a month to begin the pilot program in part because of delivery delays.
Some experts say this option is nonetheless not as effective as mandatory vaccination.
“Vaccine and/or testing policy is second best,” said Jeffrey Levi, a professor of health policy and administration at George Washington University. “The early testing policy found the problem. It does not prevent a problem, while vaccination requirements help prevent it. “
– Amanda Michelle Gomez and Phil Galewitz, KHN
Nearly 100 young students in Maryland receive a diluted dose of COVID vaccine
Nearly 100 Maryland elementary students received incorrect dose of coronavirus vaccine at a clinic last week, health officials said. Officials notified the parents of 98 students at South Lake Elementary by phone that doses of the vaccine given at a Montgomery Village school clinic on November 10 were more diluted than those given at the Montgomery Village School. recommended, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services said in a newly posted news release. The student received additional doses at a clinic on Wednesday. Acting County Health Officer Dr. James Bridgers said staff have received additional training on dosing for children.
Over the weekend, a health clinic in the city of Antioch in the San Francisco Bay Area gave the wrong dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 14 children under 12 years of age. aroused anger among parents.
Contributing: Mike Stucka, USA TODAY; Related press