Entering another COVID Christmas
Let's get practical about staying safe despite really sharp omicron surge
The emerging data on how rapidly omicron is spreading in the United States and elsewhere forces us to stand up and pay attention — not to be afraid but to be very, very cautious. I’m trying to appreciate that — even though we are entering what an epidemiologist described to me a few months ago as a “worst case” scenario, each of us can do a lot to keep functioning with reasonable safety.
The reality: Until we reach more than 90% vaccinated, COVID-19 will continue to spread and mutate, and with large pockets in the USA where vaccination rates are low, COVID-19 has an easy time finding good hosts. We know this.
Scroll down to see some charts that show how the US compares to other countries now.
What we can do: Each of us should think about this on two tracks, both dependent on each other.
Track one: Keep yourself safe by making sure you are vaccinated and boosted; wear a good quality (N95 or KN95) mask whenever going indoors in public settings; socialize outdoors as much as possible, indoors with good ventilation; and, use frequent testing especially before having a multigenerational family gathering.
Track two: None of us can be safe until our communities are safer. Set aside anger or other emotions, let’s just make it easier for people to get vaccinated than to continue refusing. And encourage friends, neighbors, everyone to get booster shots, wear masks, and be prudent. Masks and vaccines are not political unless we let others define them that way. (And yes, there is a ton of solid data that shows masks reduce infection rates.)
In practice, I’m consciously avoiding any business that has publicly opposed public health measures (I am probably better off avoiding In ‘n’ Out anyway) and supporting those who are leading the way. I have purchased more N95 masks (the new designs are more comfortable,) and it’ll be awhile before I will sit maskless inside a restaurant or wine bar again. Disappointing, but prudent.
Traveling? Despite what the airline CEOs told lawmakers last week, experts like White House medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci say masks on planes are a helpful layer of protection anytime you are in an enclosed space with other people for an extended period. It’s true that airplanes have excellent filtration, but you can’t be sure that there isn’t a person sitting near you who is unknowingly shedding viral particles.
Change plans? At this point, some countries are imposing new travel restrictions, so you may not have a choice. Within the United States, check the new case rates in the region you are visiting. If the rate of new cases is rising fast (as it has in New York in the past week,) consider avoiding the area if for no other reason than to conserve healthcare resources.
If you are making new travel plans, consider getting a travel insurance policy that covers you if your plans must change due to COVID-19 (read the fine print, as many policies have major exclusions. I just got a policy that has a specific COVID-19 provision.) Unexpectedly having to quarantine at a hotel can get costly fast.
By the way, Canada on Sunday lifted its ban on travelers from South Africa and other places where omicron was first identified. The US has not done this yet.
Vaccines, masks, ventilation, hygiene, and testing
The CDC says that vaccines plus boosters, masks when indoors, and frequent testing are tools that we can use right now. Add ventilation, hand washing and keeping away from people whose vaccine status is unknown, and you’ll likely be about as safe as possible.
There is a lot of confusion about types of tests, and many stores have found their shelves stripped bare every time a supply of home self-test kits arrives. Those self-tests are helpful because they can identify most “current infections.” In other words, use one of these before going in to grandma or grandpa’s house.
If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, get a “molecular” test (PCR) 5-7 days later, says the CDC. Check with your local health department to find out where you can get these tests — for free. The CDC also has a COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool to help determine what kind of test to seek.