COVID-19 News and Updates
Hello all,
Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates.
This week we will be discussing a new communication form by Dr. Elizabeth Marnik and an update on the state of the pandemic as a whole.
COVID Communication:
Science Whiz Liz launches science literacy newsletter
Dr. Elizabeth Marnik, a.k.a. Science Whiz Liz, has recently launched a science literacy and communications newsletter titled From the Science Classroom. A frequent source for these regular updates, she tackles her usual COVID-19 information in addition to other topics related to immunology.
You can find a link to sign up here.
COVID in the News:
State of COVID-19 in Maine
Cases, ICU admissions, and deaths have all seen an increase on average over the past two weeks. Test positivity currently hovers at 10%.
Update on the state of the “Tripledemic” in Maine and nationwide
The tripledemic appears to be in the winding down stages, with RSV and Flu slowing down across the state and across the country. Presently, we are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases and deaths. This spike is most likely due to gatherings that took place during the holidays, with deaths typically lagging 3-4 weeks behind the actual point of infection.
This spike is not due to any differences seen in the new variant, XBB.1.5., as it is not showing to be any worse or better than previous COVID variants. The bivalent booster continues to prove very effective against current and emerging variants, still performing at 80% efficacy in preventing hospitalizations and death from the disease. This is due to the fact that most of the new variants we are seeing are a permutation of Omicron, which the bivalent vaccine was designed to target. This comes with the news that we are not seeing as much uptake of this vaccine as we would like, and experts are urging people to uptake this vaccine. The bivalent booster could make the difference between a week or two of bad cold/flu like symptoms or a hospital stay.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization made a statement that we may be able to move out of the acute phase of the pandemic this year. This does not mean COVID-19 has gone away, we still need to protect those most vulnerable in our communities, but it does mean the virus may move from worldwide pandemic to endemic disease with epidemic outbreaks. In practice, this means less strain on the healthcare system and moving away from active crises.
Lastly, the COVID-19 emergency is set to end on a governmental level on May 11th. This means that COVID vaccines, treatment, and testing will move to private insurance or out of pocket cost. Furthermore, expansions to WIC/SNAP, benefits, MaineCare, and other aid programs will also be ending or cutting back. It is still unclear precisely what this will look like in practicality, what aid will be available, and what insurance will be covering what, and as information becomes available it will be posted in future updates. However, if you have yet to receive your bivalent booster, it is recommended you receive it before May 11th as it will still be free of charge.
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If you or anyone you know have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the available vaccines please call or text our COVID-19 Peer Support Line at 207-271-6023, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.