Suffolk County’s COVID danger has jumped again as much as “high,” in accordance with the CDC as the brand new extremely contagious XBB.1.5 omicron variant spreads throughout the area and hospitalizations rise after the vacations.
Boston well being officers are pleading with residents to take precautions amid the post-holiday surge, urging folks to masks up and get boosted.
The CDC not too long ago elevated Suffolk County’s COVID group danger stage from medium to excessive. This comes following a spike within the Boston-area COVID wastewater ranges and as reported virus circumstances climb and hospitalizations improve.
More than 70% of recent COVID circumstances in New England are tied to the XBB.1.5 subvariant, in accordance with the CDC’s newest variant tracker replace.
“We are seeing a new rise in cases and a new variant that appears to be very transmissible,” stated Matthew Fox, a Boston University School of Public Health epidemiology professor. “In gentle of this we have to fall again on the issues we all know work.
“Most important is making sure everyone is up to date on their boosters or if unvaccinated, get vaccinated,” Fox stated. “Group settings should consider bringing back masking for the period of the surge. And as always we should be investing in good ventilation.”
The Boston-area COVID wastewater ranges have surged amid the vacation season, and that’s the first signal of a virus wave.
COVID hospitalizations have been climbing throughout Massachusetts. Through late final week, Boston’s hospitals reported 306 new COVID-related hospitalizations — which is a 41% improve over the previous two weeks.
“Based on the trends, it is imperative that we all protect ourselves and others,” stated Bisola Ojikutu, government director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “I perceive there’s a really excessive stage of pandemic fatigue, however the numbers converse for themselves.
“We should all be masking indoors, staying home when sick, and testing for COVID-19,” Ojikutu added. “In addition, getting boosted is the best way to protect yourself from severe illness and hospitalization.”
Boston’s hospitals are already beneath elevated pressure as a result of mixture of COVID and different respiratory viral infections, together with the flu.
Only 13.7% of Boston residents have obtained the omicron-specific bivalent booster. The Boston Public Health Commission has arrange a number of websites the place residents can get COVID vaccines and boosters, flu pictures, and PCR testing for COVID.
As a part of the state’s Vaccine Equity Initiative, BPHC is providing $75 present playing cards to those that get a COVID vaccine or booster whereas provides final. Those websites embrace: Boston City Hall; BCYF Hyde Park; Lena Park Community Development Corporation; Josephine Fiorentino Community Center; and Bruce C. Bolling Building.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”